RTÉ The Late Late Show announces end date as Patrick Kielty signs off for the summer

RTÉ has announced the final episode date for this season's The Late Late Show, with host Patrick Kielty wrapping up his inaugural series on Friday, May 10, as he bids farewell for the summer break.

Since taking over the reins from Ryan Tubridy last May, becoming the fourth presenter of the iconic chat show, Kielty has welcomed a plethora of national and international celebrities. His guests have spanned from former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to stars like Donncha O'Callaghan, Trinny Woodall, Mel B, Ronan Keating, Mary McAleese, Graham Norton, Iain Stirling, and Brendan O'Carroll.

Patrick also made his debut on The Late Late Toy Show in November and hosted the much-loved annual country music special before Christmas, where Declan Nerney was inducted into the Hall of Fame and Una Healy graced the stage with her performance.

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An RTÉ insider shared with RSVP Live their enthusiasm about Kielty's first run: "This was an incredible first series of The Late Late Show for Patrick Kielty."

The source continued, highlighting the anticipation and pressure that came with Kielty's appointment: "There was huge fanfare over his appointment as presenter and he had big shoes to fill after taking over from Ryan Tubridy.", reports RSVP Live.

They concluded by noting the changes this season brought: "The show looked very different this year with a new host, a new set and a new format. But viewers at home seemed to like it and the ratings stayed constant over the last nine months."

Tales of the RTÉ controversy that hounded him upon his arrival have since died down, with all eyes now glued to the programme itself and the guests it features.

A source said: "The drama of the RTE controversy at the beginning of his tenure has calmed down, and all the focus is on the guests on the content. Everyone is looking forward to his second season in September."

His spouse Cat Deeley, who currently hosts ITV's This Morning with Ben Shepherd, won't be featuring on The Late Late Show according to Patrick.

He stated: "There's a saying 'don't get your money where you get your honey. So I would say the chances of my missus being on the show are kind of slim to nothing."

Ahead of his first show, he told RSVP Live: "The tone is hopefully going to be a bit loose. As someone who enjoys stand up and live TV, trying to make something too polished, it is all about fun.

"If things are fun and things go wrong then that will be the tone of the show.

"In terms of the pace, hopefully it ebbs and flows and there will be something for everybody."

It is not currently known what show will replace The Late Late Show on Friday nights going forward. The Tommy Tiernan Show also finished up last week.

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