Ryan Tubridy's London Diary: I walked past Paul McCartney and said 'Hi'

The more time I spend in London, the more it’s clear that the Irish are woven into the fabric of the city.

As I was posing for a photo – for this diary – on the famous Abbey Road last week, a classic red double-decker bus passed by. I thought nothing of it until the driver poked his head out of the window and shouted: ‘Welcome to London, Tubs!’ All I could do was laugh.

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Later in the afternoon I was wandering through Kilburn, once called Ireland’s 33rd county, when I got what I now call the ‘London Look’. It happens when I walk past a sea of strangers and then an Irish person does a discreet doubletake before offering a smile and a wave or a few words of welcome and support.

Ryan Tubridy poses for photos Abbey Road, London Ryan Tubridy is an Irish broadcaster. He currently presents the weekday mid-morning programme The Ryan Tubridy Show on Virgin Radio UK. Pic: Nick Edwards

On this occasion, a woman separated from the throng and said ‘Ryan Tubridy! How the hell are you?’ We fell into conversation. She had a strong Irish accent despite living here for over 30 years. She had just been to three o’clock Mass (on a weekday). She said her name was Rosary. I told her she was well named!

On the Tube I got the ‘London Look’ from a young guy who eventually came over to say hello. Vince, who is from Cork and works in finance, was heading to meet his folks who were visiting him for a few days. Weirdly, I met him again at The Devonshire pub in Soho. It’s not just Ireland that can feel small sometimes.

My siblings, Garrett and Rachel, joined me last weekend, the first of a clutch of incoming Tubridys on tour! Though they had lived in London years ago, I was like Francis Brennan leading them around the place, just short of a tall flag and a clipboard.

Ryan Tubridy poses for photos Abbey Road. Pic: Nick Edwards

They were struck by the architectural transformation of the city. I showed them around my neighbourhood of St John’s Wood in north London before we headed into the heart of the city for a few pints. The next day, I brought them into Virgin Radio for a look around. The studios and offices are on the 17th floor of a building that faces The Shard so the views are remarkable.

Angela Scanlon was presenting her show at the time and she came out to say hello and to meet the family. I’ve always loved Angela and the warmth of the welcome she extended to my family confirmed my feelings. Angela did brilliantly on Britain’s Strictly Come Dancing last year, narrowly missing out on dancing in the quarterfinals of the BBC One show. She was telling me how much she enjoyed the experience. We arranged to meet up for drinks soon.

Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu on Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC

Gar and Rachel were here partly to make sure I wasn’t suffering from homesickness. I took them to Borough Market for delicious steak sandwiches, then sent them on their way, assured there was nothing to worry about. I’m very happy in London.

I should mention a brief encounter that took place last Sunday as myself and Garrett wandered home through St John’s Wood. An older man wearing a hat and a face mask was strolling arm in arm with an elegant-looking lady. My eyes were drawn to his and my heart skipped a beat when I realised who it was. Just as he was in front of us, I plucked up the courage and said ‘Hi Paul’ to which he replied, ‘Hey’.

Yes, it was Paul McCartney!

Sir Paul McCartney arrives at the UK premiere of “If These Walls Could Sing” at Abbey Road Studios. Pic: Getty Images

When I tell you that I’m a Beatle obsessive and Paul McCartney’s biggest fan, you’ll realise what a big deal that encounter was for me! I nearly had to sit down. My brother was delighted for me and a little embarrassed that I was so excited but I didn’t care. I had just met Macca around the corner from Abbey Road and all was well in the world.

It looks like Mondays have become laundry days as my quasi-student existence continues apace. My local dry cleaners is run by a lovely lady who keeps a framed copy of the poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann above the cash register – worth looking that up later! I left a batch of stuff into the launderette – always reminds me of the Levi’s ad and I Heard It Through The Grapevine – and headed to my local cinema to see Poor Things.

Pic: Supplied

Emma Stone is winning every award going for her outstanding performance in this b o n k e r s but beautiful film. It’s off the wall and I loved it but it’s definitely not for everyone. Thankfully the launderette was open until 8pm so I got all my chores done in one evening. How very domesticated.

On Virgin Radio, my show is followed by Jayne Middlemiss who bounces into work every morning, radiating positivity and good vibes. Jayne was the original Love Island winner after taking the crown of the celebrity series way back in 2005.

Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs performs on stage during their headline set at MTV Crashes Plymouth at Plymouth. Pic. Adam Gasson/Getty Images and MTV Europe

I was wearing Aran jumpers this week and she wants one, so I need to get to Standún’s in Connemara the next time I’m out west so she gets the real deal. Jayne is followed by Ricky Wilson who double-jobs as frontman for The Kaiser Chiefs. He’s a gas man and a proper class messer. He got a label gun for Christmas and insisted on making up labels for everyone. My headphones now have a Left and Right sticker. Pure divilment! It was his birthday on Wednesday and he has no idea what age he is.

So many generous invitations for coffee and lunch have been coming in from people I’ve met or interviewed through the years. I had a fascinating catch-up with Enda Brady this week. Formerly a Sky News reporter, he is now thriving in a few different fields that will all benefit from his wisdom, experience and decency. A proud Enniscorthy man, Enda is easily one of the best in the business.

Time to skip away from London for a change of scene. I’m writing this diary on a train to Penzance in Cornwall. I know nothing of the area, so it’s another voyage of discovery. I will report back to you next week on how I get on in one of the Celtic nations.

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Ryan Tubridy poses for photos Abbey Road, London Ryan Tubridy is an Irish broadcaster. He currently presents the weekday mid-morning programme The Ryan Tubridy Show on Virgin Radio UK

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