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21st May 2023

Fans react as Patrick Kielty announced as new Late Late Show host

Simon Kelly

Patrick Kielty reactions

“He’s going to do so well. Super choice.”

RTÉ have announced that Patrick Kielty will take over as the new host of The Late Late Show, ending the drawn-out speculation regarding Ryan Tubridy’s successor.

On Saturday, it was confirmed that the stand-up comedian will replace Tubridy when he steps away from the role after his final show on Friday, May 26th.

Kielty, from Dundrum, Co. Down, will become the fourth presenter of the long-running show when the new season begins in September.

The reaction to Patrick Kielty taking the Late Late Show hosting gig

Viewers took to social media after the news broke to give their opinions on the appointment and overall it seems like a popular choice, with most commenters happy with Kielty.

A big topic around the appointment is Kielty’s background as someone who grew up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. People have pointed to how well he speaks of the issues surrounding Irish and Northern Irish relations and suggested it’s a brilliant choice to bring in someone with that point of view.

There were multiple references to Kielty’s interview on the Tommy Tiernan show earlier in the year, where he eloquently discussed the possibility of Irish reunification.

One user said, “If you haven’t already, it is worth listening to his chat with Tommy Tiernan on a United Ireland. Only sensible discussion I’ve heard on the topic.”

Another said, “I haven’t watched the the Late Late Show for a very long time, with rare exceptions, however I find myself looking forward to seeing what Patrick Kielty does with it.”

More comments included, “Great choice he will bring a bit of craic & devilment to it.” and “He’s going to do so well. Super choice.”

While most were calling for a female host, popular choices for the show including Claire Byrne pulled out of the running leaving the broadcaster scrambling for a new host. However, they may have landed on their feet with Kielty enjoying strong support from most corners.

“I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world,” said the 52-year-old. “I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television.”

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