Patrick Kielty has been confirmed as the new host of The Late Late Show.
The Northern Irish comedian who has also enjoyed a prosperous career in TV and radio, will succeed Ryan Tubridy who is stepping down from the role after 14 years as host of the iconic TV chatshow.
Kielty who hails from Dundrum in county Down, will take over from Tubridy, becoming its fourth host for the show's 61st season next September.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show", Kielty said. "To follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan as the next custodian is a real honour and I can’t thank RTÉ enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show".
"To follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan as the next custodian is a real honour and I can’t thank RTÉ enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show".
Posting this before they change their mind! A real honour to follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan. Thanks RTE for the chance to be a part of the next chapter. @RTELateLateShow https://t.co/TGB4BvRudl
— Patrick Kielty (@PatricKielty) May 20, 2023
In a statement, RTÉ's Director of Content Jim Jennings also added, "Patrick Kielty is undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest comedians, a fantastic presenter with a depth of experience, and a range of talents that will bring an exciting new dynamic to the show".
"Patrick's personality and passion is sure to connect with audiences and I look forward to it bursting on to screens in September", the statement continued.
"We have very definite ideas for the show already in the works and we’ll be busy behind the scenes shaping the series for launch. We’ll be back in August to tell you all about it".
Along with TV and radio, Patrick Kielty's documentary My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me, also earned a BAFTA nomination, as well as earning UK documentary of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards. He also won an RTS award for his most recent film Patrick Kielty:100 Years of Union.