Odds slashed on very familiar face taking over Liveline after Joe Duffy retirement

Lucy Kennedy is now being eyed up as a replacement to Joe Duffy on Liveline, according to Ladbrokes.

Odds have slashed from 8/1 to 3/1 for Lucy Kennedy to switch allegiances from Classic Hits to RTE Radio One and take up the iconic Liveline slot.

Since Joe Duffy’s decision to leave the staple phone-in show and retire from RTE, rumours have been rife with who may take over the Dubliner’s spot, with Lucy Kennedy now taking over conversations.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: “From Living with Lucy to Liveline with Lucy, odds have been slashed on the Classic Hits presenter to move from the mornings to the mid-afternoon and try to fill Joe’s shoes on Liveline.”

In a recent poll on our websites, readers decided on a clear frontrunner to replace the broadcasting legend - and it wasn't Lucy Kennedy.

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As Joe will present his last ever Liveline show on Friday, June 27, RTÉ plans on finding his successor over the coming months with an announcement expected in the autumn.

Katie Hannon, Miriam O'Callaghan and Jennifer Zamparelli have been among the favourites since the news of Joe's retirement. There are some other names worth mentioning in the race as well such as Tommy Tiernan and Westlife turned-radio-host Nicky Byrne.

Racing ahead in our poll was Katie Hannon with over 41% of the vote. A familiar voice on the show, Hannon has regularly stepped in to replace Joe on Liveline in the past when he was absent and so clearly she has established a fanbase of sorts and would appear to be a natural successor. 

In second place was Tommy Tiernan with 17% of the vote. Although far behind Hannon, it was nonetheless a respectable placement for the well loved comedian and chat show host. 

After Tommy Tiernan there was a big gap in the figures. Colm Ó Mongáin followed in third place with 8% of the vote and then Dáithí Ó Sé not far behind with 7%, meanwhile Marty Morrissey scooped up 6%.

Despite being a favourite in the bookies, Jennifer Zamparelli only received 5% of the vote in our poll. Then at the bottom of the table was Ray D'Arcy, Lucy Kennedy, Nicky Byrne and surprisingly Miriam O'Callaghan all with 4% respectively.