Patrick Kielty will remain at the helm of The Late Late Show after RTÉ confirmed the presenter has signed a new three-year deal to continue hosting Ireland’s longest-running chat show.
The Co Down comedian and broadcaster will return to screens this September as the programme enters its 66th season, ending months of speculation about his future in the role.
Under the new agreement, Kielty will host up to 30 episodes per season after first taking over the iconic Friday night programme in September 2023, following the departure of Ryan Tubridy.
He became only the fourth permanent presenter of The Late Late Show, following in the footsteps of broadcasting legends Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Tubridy.
Since taking over, Kielty has received praise for his relaxed interview style and his ability to combine major celebrity guests with conversations focused on issues affecting people across Ireland.
Speaking after the announcement, Kielty said he was delighted to continue with the programme.
"Hosting The Late Late Show is one of the greatest gigs in the world and the past three years have been a joy and a privilege," he 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."
Patrick Kielty's Late Late Show. Photo credit: RTÉ, Late Late Show
The announcement comes after a strong year for the programme, with RTÉ revealing that the 2025/26 season attracted an average audience of 385,000 viewers per episode, representing a 38.2% share.
The show also recorded more than 1.46 million streams on RTÉ Player, while its social media platforms generated 6.8 million engagements, an increase of 53% on the previous season. Video views also rose by 19%, reaching 88.7 million.
Steve Carson, RTÉ Director of Video, said Kielty had made the programme his own and praised his connection with audiences.
"Patrick has made The Late Late truly his own and the figures, not least the incredible engagement on social media, demonstrate his star power and easy connection with audiences young and old," he said.
"There are so many more great editions and guests to look forward to with Paddy at the helm, including the biggest telly night of the year with The Late Late Toy Show."
Alan Tyler, RTÉ Group Head of Entertainment and Music, said Kielty's leadership had helped bring a new energy to the long-running programme.
"Under Patrick's stewardship, we have been able to give a new lease of life to the show, reaching audiences on both traditional and new platforms," he said.
"The Late Late Show is only at the start of a revolution in that approach and, with Patrick continuing in the hot seat, we are hugely excited about our plans for forthcoming seasons."
During Kielty’s time as host, the show has welcomed a wide range of Irish and international guests, including Jessie Buckley, Priscilla Presley, Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Coleen Rooney, Aisling Bea, Jon Bon Jovi, Westlife, Gabriel Byrne, Katie Taylor and Shane Lowry.
The presenter will now continue leading the programme’s mix of entertainment, celebrity interviews and topical discussions when The Late Late Show returns this autumn on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, airing on Fridays at 9.35pm.
