Would you like to follow in the footsteps of The Rubberbandits? (Not literally, God only knows where they've been...)

It’s one of the most popular shows on RTÉ 2, proving that Irish television can be funny on purpose as well as hilarious by cringe-worthy accident, and now Republic of Telly wants YOU! 

But only if you’re funny. 

With Dermot Whelan, Jennifer Maguire and Bernard O’Shea at the helm, the show is now in its fifth year and producers are on the lookout for new Irish comedic talents. 

Republic of Telly has previously acted as a platform to launch hugely popular viral hits by The Rubberbandits and Damo and Ivor, so if you’ve got what it takes to be the next comedy sensation then this could be the gig for you.

Producers of the show said: “We're looking for new talent for the new season, so send us a sample of what you do - videos/songs/whatever - either message us, or email telly@rte.ie (over 18s, terms and conditions apply etc etc) DO IT."

Speaking to Her.ie, presenter Dermot Whelan said: “We're looking for the next big thing in Irish comedy. The next Rubberbandits, the next Damo and Ivor. We want to launch your career! We want you to get millions of YouTube hits! Maybe you've only been funny in your bedroom mirror until now. Now's your chance! But be original - you wouldn't believe the amount of videos of people with bags on their faces we get..."

Presenter Dermot Whelan wants you to get millions of hits on YouTube... so do we. 

So leave the horses outside for your application on this occasion, but if you think you’ve got something else up your sleeve that can make people laugh then you could be starring in the next series. Republic of Telly will return to Irish TV screens in March.