This week TV3 confirmed that Vincent Browne will departing from the programme at the end of July, after nearly a decade at the helm. A spokesperson said Browne was leaving "for personal reasons."

A source told Independent.ie that Kenny was doing well with weekly current affairs show Pat Kenny Tonight, which is too new for the station to move the presenter elsewhere.

TV3's director of programming Bill Malone released a statement earlier this week praising Browne's work. "As the presenter of the Tonight Show, Vincent encapsulated the mood of the nation during unprecedented economic and political turmoil," he said.

"His commitment to highlighting inequality and injustices in Irish life has been unwavering over his journalistic career."

Journalist Michael Clifford and broadcaster Ivan Yates remain as favourites to fill the big chair.