It started on the Late Late Show: Gaybo's most controversial moments

When it started in 1962, producer Tom McGrath intended The Late Late Show to be a light entertainment, informal programme to run as a 'filler' over the summer. Gay Byrne had other ideas.

The first broadcast of The Late Late Show was 11.20pm, July 6, 1962. Producer Tom McGrath intended it to be a light entertainment, informal programme to run as a 'filler' over the summer. It would be full of chat and easy banter, an Irish version of America's The Tonight Show.

Gay Byrne had other ideas. Brash, slick and far smarter than he pretended to be, he quickly turned the show into a mirror of a changing society. The show became a forum where controversial topics such as the influence of the Catholic Church, contraception, AIDS, homosexuality, abortion, and divorce could be openly discussed.