Oliver Callan's first day on new RTÉ show - feeling of standing in 'will never go away'

Presenter Oliver Callan has started his new show on RTÉ Radio One, permanently filling Ryan Tubridy's former slot from 9am to 10am, Monday to Friday.

The comedian had filled in on a part-time basis for his former colleague before RTÉ announced a week ago that he would be the new morning presenter for the slot.

"I suppose I'm not standing in for someone for once, although that feeling will probably never go away," he said during his first show on Monday, January 29.

Oliver didn't shy away from the circumstances surrounding his new role, tackling RTÉ's recent problems over Tubridy's pay and other scandals without reserve

"Thank you management for that impeccable timing - beautiful!" he quipped, commenting on RTÉ releasing the list of their top earners for 2022.

"Sure why wouldn't I join RTÉ - we seem to be going through something of a golden age right now aren't we?!

"Who wouldn't want to be part of this soaring rocket, replete with optimism and high in public favour, with bits of the ceiling falling in here and there, and more internal investigations and a crypto start-up," he joked.

He also thanked his new colleagues and fellow presenters for giving him a warm welcome, and for "welcoming and/or commiserating" him on the new slot.

The RTÉ website describes the new programme as an "a sharp hour of radio entertainment that charms the mood of the nation, discussing trending topics, the latest in sport, the arts and everything that's hopping in Irish life while bringing his inimitable bit of craic with it."

"The paint is still wet on the shop front, it's still 'bring your spare pair of underpants to work' time for a fair while yet," Oliver said, before going on to express how much he is looking forward to the new role.

Oliver Callan is on RTÉ Radio 1, Monday to Fridays 9am -10am.