Patrick Kielty Set to Keep Late Late Show Laughs Rolling Through 2028!

Patrick Kielty is set to return as the host of The Late Late Show, one of Ireland's most iconic television programs. RTÉ, the Irish broadcaster, confirmed that Kielty will continue to present the show until at least 2028, ending speculation about his future. Kielty, who comes from Dundrum in County Down, described hosting the show as 'one of the greatest gigs in the world' and said the past three years have been both a joy and a privilege. He first took over as host in September 2023, succeeding Ryan Tubridy and becoming the fourth permanent presenter after Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, and Tubridy. The Late Late Show is a true Irish institution, having started just months after Irish television began in 1962. Kielty's career began in a Belfast comedy club, and he later presented shows like BBC NI's PK Tonight, Love Island, This Morning, and BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, as well as other comedy and theatre productions. Last year, the show welcomed a wide range of famous guests, including Jessie Buckley, Priscilla Presley, Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Coleen Rooney, Aisling Bea, John Bon Jovi, Westlife, Gabriel Byrne, Katie Taylor, and Shane Lowry. The show enjoyed strong viewership last season, averaging 385,000 viewers per episode and achieving a 38. 2 percent audience share. It was also streamed over 1. 46 million times on RTÉ Player, an increase from the previous year. The Late Late Show's social media presence grew as well, with 6. 8 million engagements, up 53 percent, and 88. 7 million video views, a 19 percent increase from the season before. One of the highlights of the year is The Late Late Toy Show, which is often called the 'biggest telly night of the year. ' In a memorable moment, Patrick Kielty appeared with five children dressed as elves, standing in front of a Christmas tree. Alan Tyler, RTÉ's Group Head of Entertainment and Music, said he was 'absolutely delighted' that Kielty would remain as host for another three years. He praised Kielty for bringing new energy to the show and reaching audiences on both traditional TV and new digital platforms. Tyler said the show is 'only at the start of a revolution' and that the team is 'hugely excited' about plans for future seasons. Steve Carson, RTÉ's Director of Video, said the show's strong ratings and social media engagement prove Kielty's 'star power and easy connection with audiences young and old. ' He noted that The Late Late Show is celebrating its 66th season this year and that there are many more great episodes and guests to look forward to with Kielty as host, including the much-anticipated Late Late Toy Show. Kielty himself said, 'The heart of the show will always be our amazing audience and I can't wait to be part of their Friday nights again from this September. ' The Late Late Show will return this autumn on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, airing Fridays at 21:35. Fans across Ireland and beyond are looking forward to seeing what Patrick Kielty will bring to the show in the coming years.