65-year-old broadcaster Gay Byrne is to host the Irish version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, it was announced by the RTE Network yesterday.

Byrne stepped down as host of long-running entertainment series The Late Late Show last year, but has decided to make a comebcak to front the international phenomenon.

He said, "I believe that it does not much matter who does this show. As a formula show, it's done the same way anywhere, and any sort of competent MC could do it. There will be an added advantage in Ireland that most people will know most of the contestants. There will be a slightly more homely atmosphere about it, I hope."