Former Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu has been announced as one of the judges for this year’s competition, 15 years after she was a London Rose.

Clare, who got engaged to former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy earlier this year, will join a panel of judges tasked with selecting the next Rose.

The announcement comes as Tubridy, who previously hosted the Rose of Tralee, made headlines last week by repaying €150,000 to RTÉ following the 'secret payments' controversy amid rumours he could possibly be making a return to the RTÉ airwaves as reported by EXTRA.ie.

The couple’s engagement was first revealed through a now-deleted Instagram post by O’Dalaigh Jewellers, which shared details of the custom-designed 2.4-carat emerald-cut diamond ring made from lab-grown diamonds. The jewellers described the pair as ;destined; to meet, sharing their mutual love for Connemara.

Clare, who represented London in the 2010 Rose of Tralee, has remained closely connected to the festival, frequently judging local and regional selection events.

Her impressive career includes a BA from the University of Galway, a Master’s from King’s College London, and a PhD from Galway. She now runs her own psychology clinic in Swords, specialising in forensic mental health.

In addition to her professional achievements, Clare has worked as a presenter on RTÉ’s EcoEye and has been involved in charitable efforts, including time spent in India with the Hope Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Association.

Joining Clare on the judging panel are RTÉ’s Nuala Carey, fashion designer Don O’Neill, and Aisling Murphy of sponsor Murphy’s New Homes. The judges will evaluate 30 international Roses, who are currently on their Rose Tour, making stops in Meath, Limerick, and Tralee before the competition kicks off in Kerry from August 15 to 19.

This year’s event will be hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, with Thomas describing the festival as a 'celebration of women' . All of the Rose of Tralee contestants will be revealed later today in Dublin.