Irish broadcaster RTÉ has announced that Patrick Kielty will replace Ryan Tubridy as anchor of the Late Late Show. Kielty will succeed Tubridy, who previously held the position.
Since 1962, he is the fourth host of the program, one of the longest-running late-night talk shows in the globe.
Kielty stated that he was “absolutely ecstatic” and that it was a “true honor” to assume the position.
The comedian from County Down has an extensive background in television and radio hosting.
Kielty will continue to present the Late Late while hosting his own Saturday radio program on BBC Radio 5Live.
From 1999 to 2003, he hosted Patrick Kielty Almost Live on BBC One, and in 2002 and 2003, he co-hosted the talent program Fame Academy with English host Cat Deeley.
In 2012, the two became a couple and were married. Ryan Tubridy announced in March that he would be leaving the Late Late Show after 14 years as host.
His final program will air on RTÉ One on Friday, May 26; Kielty is expected to begin broadcasting in September.
From GAA to Renown
Kielty grew up in the village of Dundrum, County Down, and played minor Gaelic football for Down.
He studied psychology at Queen’s University in Belfast before taking his first steps toward notoriety as a host at the city’s Empire Comedy Club.
Following the announcement, the comedy club tweeted a throwback photo of a youthful Kielty performing on stage.
Approximately at the same time, he made his television debut with the children’s program Sus on Ulster Television.
In January 1988, during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, loyalist paramilitaries murdered his father, Jack Kielty.
Kielty expressed his gratitude to RTÉ for granting him “the opportunity to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show.”
“I am also genuinely humbled to be a part of Friday evenings for so many Irish people, both domestically and internationally.
“I cannot wait to begin one of the most prestigious television jobs.”
Jim Jennings, RTÉ’s director of content, stated, “Patrick Kielty is without a doubt one of Ireland’s finest comedians, a fantastic presenter with a wealth of experience, and an array of talents that will add an exciting new dimension to the program.
“Patrick’s personality and passion are bound to resonate with audiences, and I eagerly anticipate its September release.
“We already have very concrete concepts for the show, and we’ll be busy behind the scenes preparing the series for its debut. We’ll return in August to provide details.”
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