Patrick Kielty signs new three-year deal to continue hosting Ireland's Late Late Show until 2028

Contract extension confirmed

RTÉ announced on 7 July 2026 that Patrick Kielty has signed a new three-year deal to host The Late Late Show, ending months of speculation about his future. The contract, which allows for up to 30 shows per season, will keep him at the helm until 2028. Kielty first took over the role in September 2023 after the departure of long-time host Ryan Tubridy.

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 comedian and presenter, originally from Dundrum in County Down, began his career at a Belfast comedy club before fronting shows such as BBC NI's PK Tonight, Love Island, This Morning and BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz.

Ireland's longest-running chat show

The Late Late Show remains an Irish institution, launched just months after the advent of Irish television in 1962. Kielty is only the fourth permanent presenter in its history, following Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy. The programme will celebrate its 66th season this year.

Audience growth and digital reach

Last season averaged 385,000 viewers per episode, with a 38.2% share of the television audience. The show also recorded over 1.46 million streams on RTÉ Player, an increase on the previous year. Social media engagement rose, with 6.8 million interactions (up 53%) and 88.7 million video views (up 19%). Last season's guest list featured Jessie Buckley, Priscilla Presley, Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, among others. RTÉ director of video Steve Carson said the figures show Kielty's "star power and easy connection with audiences young and old".

Executive confidence

RTÉ executives expressed confidence in the host. Alan Tyler, group head of entertainment and music, said he was "absolutely delighted" and praised Kielty's stewardship.

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.

Tyler added that The Late Late Show is "only at the start of a revolution" and the broadcaster is "hugely excited about our plans for forthcoming seasons". Carson also noted "so many more great editions and guests to look forward to", including the annual Late Late Toy Show.

Return this autumn

Kielty said he is eager to reconnect with the audience when the show returns this September on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

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.