Gerry, who quit UTV this week after 30 years with the company, said he would jump at the chance to fill the void left by retired television presenter Sir Michael Parkinson, whose final show was aired last month.

The 59-year-old Ulsterman said: "I've had two offers so far, one of them from England, but they're at an embryonic stage. I haven't said yes or no to anything, it's just nice to know that the offers are there.

"Whatever I decide to do, I still want to be involved with people.

"Parkinson, now that would be a great job. Would I take it? Let me think about that. Yes, absolutely."

Gerry said his shock decision to leave UTV after such a lengthy stint did not follow a row or bust-up, but that he felt the time was right to move on.

But he admitted he had not been happy at UTV since the axe fell on the Kelly Show three years ago.

"I really missed the buzz of the live shows, even though I did a few specials. But it just wasn't the same," he said.

"I found the decision to end Kelly very disappointing. I can't say if it was the right thing for the company to do, but for me personally, it was very disappointing.

"We showcased a lot of local talent and that showcase is gone now. There's no platform now for local talent on either UTV or BBC and I think that's sad."

And the presenter was critical of the current crop of controversial television hosts.

"TV executives say there is no place now for chat shows like Kelly, that they're old hat. They prefer shows like Jonathan Ross's, who sits at a desk, effing and blinding at his guests," he said.

"I believe there's a place for his type of show, but I also think there's still a role for traditional shows like Kelly and the Pat Kenny Show down south.

"That's the Irish way of life. People like to sit down and have a chat."

Gerry described his 30 years at UTV as "fantastic" and said he was taking many happy memories with him.

"Some of the best stories weren't well-known personalities, but just people who had been in the news for a few days," he said.

"But two of the stand-out shows for me were the one featuring Garth Brooks and the special on George Best. Garth mentioned on my show that he would play Belfast, and he kept his promise. And the George Best show was fantastic too. The love and affection for him was palpable.

"I've had no regrets at all and I'm very positive and upbeat about the future.

"I'm looking forward to whatever challenges come my way now."