Kathryn Thomas plans Paula Yates-style bed interviews with Dáithí Ó Sé at Rose of Tralee

Kathryn Thomas, co-host of the Rose of Tralee festival, has revealed plans to incorporate a nostalgic television format into her radio broadcasting schedule during the event. Rather than taking time off from her regular presenting duties, Thomas intends to continue hosting her weekday breakfast show on Dublin's Q102 radio station directly from her hotel room in Tralee, County Kerry. The broadcasts are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday mornings, after which she will shift her focus to her afternoon responsibilities as co-host of the Rose of Tralee competition alongside Dáithí Ó Sé.

The inspiration for this unconventional broadcasting arrangement draws from 1990s British television, specifically the work of Paula Yates, the late ex-wife of musician Bob Geldof. Yates became known for conducting interviews while sitting on a bed during her time presenting The Big Breakfast on Channel 4. Thomas explicitly referenced this format, indicating that she will appear in her dressing gown while Ó Sé and various Rose contestants join her on the bed for interviews. The presenter promised listeners would receive what she described as the inside track and gossip from the festival, suggesting a more informal and revealing style of conversation than typically associated with the formal competition broadcasts.

Thomas provided observations about the current cohort of Rose contestants, describing them as a particularly lively and cohesive group. She noted the absence of cliques among the participants, instead characterizing them as a genuine gang who have bonded well during their preparations. The broadcaster mentioned significant amounts of shouting, singing, and mutual teasing occurring among the Roses, with both herself and Ó Sé being frequent targets of good-natured slagging. Despite the high spirits, Thomas maintained that she has never encountered any behind-the-scenes drama, tears, regrets, or romantic complications involving the escorts during her involvement with the festival, though she expressed a wish for more dramatic incidents from that perspective.

The presenter also discussed her personal life and career philosophy in relation to the festival. Thomas will bring her two daughters, aged four and eight, to Tralee for the first time, though they will watch the televised competition rather than attend in person. She explained that the younger child would be upset if excluded while the older one attended. Following the festival, the family plans to spend the remainder of the week with Thomas's Kerry-born mother in Kenmare. Regarding her professional approach, Thomas reflected on never having experienced permanent, pensionable employment throughout her career, which has motivated her to give complete commitment to every role while continuously seeking future opportunities. She expressed satisfaction with the variety in her current work portfolio, which includes the radio show, the podcast Are We There Yet?, and her role as a fitness influencer, while identifying motherhood as her ultimate dream job. Thomas stated she would encourage her own daughters to participate in the Rose of Tralee in the future, citing the competition's role in instilling confidence and supporting women.