Patrick Kielty in The Late Late Chair until 2028

To Whom It Concerns RT today confirmed that Patrick Kielty is to extend his contract as host of The Late Late Show.

Last season, the world's longest-running live talk show welcomed some incredible 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 Late Late Show 25/26 season had an average of 385,000 viewers per episode, with a 38.2% share and over 1.46 million streams on RT Player, an increase on the previous year. On The Late Late Show social media platforms, last season saw 20.5 million engagements (an increase of 66%) and 280.3 million video views (an increase of 29% on the previous season).

The new three-year deal allows for up to 30 shows per season. Patrick, from Dundrum, County Down, became the fourth presenter of the iconic show in 2023 and now will take it into its 66th season from September. He began his stand-up career as host of Northern Ireland's first comedy club The Empire Laughs Back in Belfast. Since then, he has built a stellar career across TV and radio, while his live stand-up tours have sold out across Ireland and the UK.

His BAFTA nominated My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me saw him named UK documentary host of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards, while his most recent film, Patrick Kielty:100 Years of Union also won an RTS award. 2023 saw the release of his first feature film, Ballywalter, where he stars alongside IFTA nominated Seana Kerslake.

Patrick Kielty said: 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. 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.

Steve Carson, RT 's Director of Video said; 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. The Late Late celebrates its 66th season this year - 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, RT Group Head of Entertainment and Music, said; I am absolutely delighted that Patrick will remain at the helm of The Late Late for a further three years. Under his stewardship we have been able to give a new lease of life to the show, reaching audiences on both traditional and new platforms. 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.'

Ends

Laura Fitzgerald, Communications Manager, RT

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/07/07/patrick-kielty-in-the-late-late-chair-...
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