Late Late Show Host Patrick Kielty: An Honorable Lifetime Opportunity

Patrick Kielty: It’s ‘the honour of a lifetime‘ to host Late Late Show

Patrick Kielty, the well-known comedian and entertainer, expressed his deep gratitude and excitement as he took on the role of hosting RTÉ’s The Late Late Show. In an emotional opening to his debut, Kielty described hosting the iconic show as “truly the honour of a lifetime.” The show, which began airing just months after the launch of Irish TV in 1962, is considered an Irish institution and the world’s longest-running live chat show. Kielty, who hails from Northern Ireland, brings an all-Ireland flavor to the show, reflecting the diverse identities on the island.

Kielty’s Background and Experience

Kielty started his career in comedy at a club in Belfast and has since become a familiar face on television. He has presented shows like Love Island, This Morning, and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, as well as performing in comedy and theater shows. He is also married to presenter Cat Deeley.

Despite his extensive experience in entertainment, Kielty had to wait several months for his debut as the new presenter of The Late Late Show, as his appointment was announced in May. On his opening night, Kielty welcomed former Irish President Mary McAleese, Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean, and comedian Tommy Tiernan as guests.

Reflecting All Identities

In an interview with BBC News NI’s Declan Harvey, Kielty highlighted the importance of representing the different identities on the island of Ireland. He expressed that his Northern Ireland roots bring an all-Ireland dynamic to the show. Kielty mentioned that he feels more comfortable now delving into more serious matters and discussing his own beliefs and experiences. He sees The Late Late Show as a platform for diverse discussions and aims to reflect the various identities and perspectives of the people of Ireland.

Taking on Responsibility with Humor

Kielty acknowledged that hosting such a renowned show comes with great responsibility, as people look to him for commentary on various topics. However, he believes in staying true to himself and maintaining his sense of humor. Kielty expressed his belief that comedy and laughter have the power to bring people together and create understanding.

Jokes and Challenges Ahead

As Kielty begins his journey as the host of The Late Late Show, he enters a time of transition for the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, which has faced a major crisis following a scandal over the pay of the show’s previous presenter, Ryan Tubridy. Kielty took the opportunity to crack jokes about recent events, adding humor to the show’s relaunch. He mentioned the expectations for a large viewership and teased the expense of the new set.

Kielty is not viewing his role as part of RTÉ’s recovery plan, but rather as an opportunity to host the biggest show on Irish TV on a Friday night. He intends to bring his own unique style and perspective to the program and hopes to engage viewers with his humor and entertaining discussions.

Overall, Patrick Kielty embraces this new chapter in his career with enthusiasm, grateful for the opportunity to connect with audiences and use his platform to showcase the diverse voices and experiences of the people of Ireland.