The Irish state broadcaster has announced that Ryan Tubridy will replace Gerry Ryan on his morning radio show.

Ryan was one Ireland’s best-loved radio personalities who died unexpectedly in April, aged just 53, of a suspected heart attack.

Tubridy, a well-known in Ireland as a TV and radio host, is to take over the 9am-11am morning slot in Ryan’s place. He had been widely tipped as favorite for the job.

Reacting to his appointment to the post, Tubridy said “In my new role on RTÉ [the state broadcaster] 2fm I will be presenting a program that will be very different, with a different time slot, and a different style of presenting. But I will always be mindful of Gerry and the audience he built up down through the years. I will consider it an honor and a privilege to sit in the chair he sat in for so long.”

Turbridy had previously stated that he felt restricted in his role at Radio 1 and was looking forward to expanding his career in other directions.

2FM is an RTE-owned public broadcasting station aimed mostly at the young Irish audience.

The 9am-11am slot is considered to be the most important and listened to at the station.