Dundrum son Patrick Kielty new presenter of Late Late Show

Dundrum son Patrick Kielty new presenter of Late Late Show

24 May 2023

DUNDRUM’S Patrick Kielty says he’s “thrilled” and “humbled” after landing one of the biggest jobs in Irish television.

It was confirmed at the weekend that Kielty will be the new host of The Late Late Show on RTE starting in September.

The 52 year-old will be the fourth permanent presenter of the long running chat show, succeeding Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and current host Ryan Tubridy, who bids farewell this Friday night.

Kielty, who was widely tipped to take over the hot seat, said he was honoured at the appointment.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show,” he remarked.

“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.

“I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world. I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television.”

Jim Jennings, RTE’s Director of Content, said: ”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.

“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.”

Kielty has come a long since performing at a Christmas concert at St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick where he was a pupil.

He studied psychology at Queen’s University before making his first serious steps into stardom at the Empire Music Hall in Belfast where he was compere of the Comedy Club.

He got his first break into TV with a children’s programme on UTV called Sus. He was signed up by the BBC in 1995 and over the next decade became a household name fronting shows such as the original Love Island, his own late night talkshow and in 2002 co-hosted the BBC talent show, Fame Academy, with Cat Deeley, who he married in 2012.

In 2018, Kielty made a BAFTA nominated documentary, My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me, on the 20th anniversary of The Belfast Agreement and the murder of his father, Jack, by loyalist terrorists in January, 1988.

He has presented The One Show on BBC 1 and also has a Saturday radio show on BBC 5Five.

Now living in London with his wife and two young sons, he retain close links with Dundrum.

The pitch at Dundrum GAC is named after his late father and the club chairman is his brother, John.

In a short statement this week, the club said: Congratulations to our very own Patrick Kielty who has been announced as the new host of The Late Late Show on RTE. Best of luck Paddy!”