Here’s the line-up for the Late Late Show tonight

It’s going to be a hit… in more ways than one.

More than one in two people watching TV in Ireland last week were tuned in to the first episode of the new season of The Late Late Show, showing that, for all the criticism it takes, it’s still incredibly popular with the TV audience. There was a strong sporting theme to the season opener last week thanks to the presence of the O’Donovan brothers and Annalise Murphy and it’s set to continue on Friday night. Here’s who’ll be chatting with Ryan tonight… John Kavanagh The most well-known MMA coach in Ireland and the man in Conor McGregor’s corner will be on to talk about the rise and rise of McGregor in the UFC and the massive increase in popularity of MMA in Ireland. Ryan Tubridy paid a visit to John's Straight Blast Gym in Walkinstown earlier in the week and as well as getting a look at what goes on behind the scenes, he stepped inside the Octagon to get a taste of it for himself. Brave man… https://youtu.be/tOyVSxgk7IE Clip via The Late Late Show Thomas Barr Agonisingly close to a medal at the Olympics, where he twice beat his personal best, Barr will reflect on an amazing experience in Rio and talk about his prospects for Tokyo in 2020. Marty Morrissey Morrissey’s introduction to the All-Ireland Hurling Final last weekend was one of the greatest pieces of GAA commentary ever heard. Marty will discuss where he got the inspiration for an emotional speech with Ryan and look ahead to a mouth-watering All-Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Mayo next weekend. Alison Canavan Having recently opened up about her struggle with alcoholism, model and author Alison Canavan will talk about how and why she beat the booze and what lies ahead now that alcohol is no longer a part of her life. Alex Murphy and Chris Walley The stars of the brilliant breakout Irish comedy The Young Offenders will join Ryan to talk about a movie that’s already proving a massive hit with critics and audiences all over the country. Keep an eye on JOE for our upcoming interview with the two stars-in-the-making too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK-JHjKJRmw Clip via WildCard Distribution Mario Rosenstock Expect note-perfect parodies of some famous figures from Ireland and beyond as Mario brings his usual mayhem to the Late Late studio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogCei5U-jr8

Music from:

Goats Don't Shave featuring PHAT KiiDZ The Kilfenora Céilí Band All Tvvins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB4Z1VO7C94 The Late Late Show is on Friday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.