VIRGIN MEDIA TELEVISION has named Shane Coleman as the new permanent host for ‘The Tonight Show’. 

Coleman is the current presenter of The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk alongside Dr Ciara Kelly, a role Virgin Media say he will continue with his new position.

He has been fronting VMTV’s flagship current affairs programme since February, and will now step into the role on a permanent basis. 

Virgin Media cut the flagship current affairs programme from four nights a week to two in 2024, with hosts at the time Claire Brock and Ciara Doherty departing the station one month after that announcement. 

Kilkenny man Kieran Cuddihy had been the most recent permanent host until he left the position to replace Joe Duffy as Liveline host on RTÉ Radio One late last year. 

Speaking today after the announcement of the full-time position, Coleman said: “I’ve really enjoyed hosting The Tonight Show over the past while, so I’m delighted to be taking it on full-time. It’s a hugely important space for discussion and debate, and it plays a big role in how we talk about the issues that matter. I’m looking forward to building on that and continuing to bring viewers a programme that feels engaging, relevant and in tune with what’s happening across the country.”

Ruairi Carroll, Head of News at Virgin Media Television, said, “Shane has a deep understanding of current affairs and has already made a significant impact during his time as guest presenter of The Tonight Show.”