The final episode of what truly has been a unique season.
When the current season of The Late Late Show kicked off last September, nobody could have predicted that a large part of it would take place with no studio audience and that many of the guest interviews would be conducted in a virtual setting.
Credit to Ryan Tubridy and those involved, they’ve made the best of difficult circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and will be signing off the season with some stellar guests on Friday night.
A pre-recorded interview with President Michael D Higgins, recorded in the gardens of Áras an Uachtaráin will be broadcast to the nation, while another household name, Sinead O’Connor will be in studio to deliver a live performance.
Sinead’s stunning rendition of ‘Nothing Compares 2U’ way back in September was a highlight of the current season and if you haven’t yet seen it, check it out below.
Clip via The Late Late Show
Elsewhere, Robbie Keane, Ireland’s record goalscorer, will chat to Ryan about fundraising for hospital workers throughout the country and Sibéal Ní Chasaide will be in studio with a special performance dedicated to all those who have lost their lives during the crisis.
Colin Farrell will also be calling in from Los Angeles for a chat.
This season of The Late Late Show began with a segment honouring Ireland’s national services and on Friday night, Ryan will catch up with some key workers from frontline services including nurses, doctors, nursing home staff and paramedics who have played a vital role in the battle against Covid-19.
Commenting ahead of the show, Tubridy said: “As we reach the end of this extraordinary season, I want to thank the frontline workers who came on the show in September with such grace and dignity and were acknowledged by the Irish public for their work. Fast forward a number of months and they did not let us down, they went on to serve the country in a way that we have never seen before. They have been amazing, as are their families who have had to sit by and watch the sacrifices being made on a daily basis.
“I also want to thank the viewers of The Late Late Show, who stayed with us each week and supported charities, putting their hands in their pockets to help the neediest among us. I want to thank the team behind the scenes, the crews, everyone in RTÉ who showed up to keep the show on the road. Also, thanks to the many musicians for showing up and doing their bit and helping charities along the way.
“This season we lost Gay Byrne, such an iconic person in my life, professionally and personally. We also had to say goodbye to Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan – all true legends of Irish broadcasting. It has been an emotional, difficult, poignant, and joyful season overall.”
The Late Late Show airs on RTÉ One tomorrow night at 9.35pm.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
