RTÉ crosses border to fill The Late Late Show job

RTÉ has announced Patrick Kielty as the new host of The Late Late Show.

Patrick, aged 52, from Dundrum, Co Down becomes the fourth presenter of the iconic show for its 61st season next September.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show," said the comedian.

"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," he said.

Kielty is married to English TV presenter Cat Deeley. They have two children.

He is one of three sons born to the businessman John "Jack" Kielty, who was shot dead in 1988 by the Ulster Freedom Fighters.

He was on the Down GAA squad when they won the 1987 All Ireland Minor Football Championship.

RTE says 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 TV and radio career 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.

Later this year sees the release of his first feature film, Ballywalter, where he stars alongside IFTA nominated Seana Kerslake.

RTE appeared to have been lining up Laois woman Claire Byrne until she droppe out. Attention then turned to Kielty.

Jim Jennings, RTÉ’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," he said.

Tubridy presents his final show next Friday.