Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show return finally confirmed as details of new 3-year RTE deal emerge & star breaks silence

RTE have finally broken their silence on Patrick Kielty’s future on the Late Late Show.

The 65th season of Ireland’s most popular evening chat show is set to return this September.

Patrick became the fourth permanent presenter of the Late Late Show in 2023 after Ryan Tubridy stepped down earlier that year.

Speculation surrounding Patrick’s future on the programme mounted when his three-year contract with the broadcaster ended in May 2026, with no news of a renewal.

During this uncertainty, many well-known names, including Kieran Cuddihy, Oliver Callan, Maura Derrane, Muireann O’Connell and ­Dermot Whelan, were rumoured to be taking over.

But RTE have now set the record straight that Patrick will be back at the helm this September and will remain as the host until 2028.

The national broadcaster released the statement this afternoon, stating that Kielty has signed a new three-year deal which “allows for up to 30 shows per season”.

RTE praised the comedian for building “a stellar career across TV and radio”.

Steve Carson, RTE’s Director of Video, said: “Patrick has made the Late Late truly his own and the figures, not least the incredible engagement on social media, demonstrate his star power and easy connection with audiences young and old. 

“The Late Late celebrates its 66th season this year – so many more great editions and guests to look forward to with Paddy at the helm, including the biggest telly night of the year with The Late Late Toy Show.“

Speaking about his contract renewal, Patrick said: “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 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.” 

Alan Tyler, RTE Group Head of Entertainment and Music, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Patrick will remain at the helm of The Late Late for a further three years.

“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. 

“The Late Late Show is only at the start of a revolution in that approach, and, with Patrick continuing in the hot seat, we are hugely excited about our plans for forthcoming seasons.”

Last season, Patrick sat down with some incredible guests, including Jessie Buckley, Priscilla Presley, Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Coleen Rooney, Aisling Bea, John Bon Jovi, Westlife, Gabriel Byrne, Katie Taylor, and Shane Lowry.

RTE have said they will be releasing the full details of the new season will “in due course”, but there’s no doubt that Kielty will be welcoming more well known names into the studio.

It was reported that one of the reasons for the delay in Patrick signing a contract was due to him wanting The Late Late Show to be less like Graham Norton on the BBC and instead cover more serious subjects, as it did under original host Gay Byrne.

An insider told The Irish Sun: “Patrick Kielty doesn’t want to go down as the host who softened up The Late Late Show.

“He wants it to go hard again, and tackle serious subjects — and he’s got the balls to do it.

“Patrick was telling jokes about the IRA when they were still ­killing people. He was on TV in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles — he’s fearless.”

They added: “Ireland was in chaos during the recent fuel blockades but you didn’t hear a word about it on The Late Late Show.”

The Late Late Show first aired on Friday, July 6, 1962 with the legendary Gay Byrne at the helm.

Gay went on to host it for a massive 37 years until 1999 when Pat Kenny took over.

After 10 years, Kenny passed the reins to Ryan Tubridy, where he sat comfortably until 2023.

Before Tubs’ last show, it was already announced that Kielty would be taking over for the 61st season and had signed a three-year contract – which he has now renewed for another three years.

Kielty has had some major life changes since starting the hosting gig.

His mother, Mary, passed away peacefully at her home in Dundrum, Down, in March 2025.

And just four months later, Kielty and his ex-partner Cat Deeley released a joint statement announcing the end of their 12-year marriage.