Over one million tuned in for Patrick Kielty's Late Late debut

The first episode with Kielty as host was streamed on the RTÉ Player by 158,000 people. Picture Andres Poveda

Patrick Kielty's first outing as host of The Late Late Show pulled in plenty of viewers on Friday night, according to newly released viewer figures.

As anticipated, people in Ireland and beyond tuned in to RTÉ, eager to see how Kielty would fare on his first night as the fourth host of the iconic talk show.

The live episode which saw him welcome guests such as former President Mary McAleese, James McClean and Tommy Tiernan reeled in an average audience of 830,000.

At its peak, 934,000 people were watching as the stand-up comedian put his own spin on the long-running show.

The episode was streamed on the RTÉ Player by 158,000 people - including Kielty's wife, Cat Deeley, and kids who were cheering him on from their home in London. It marked the strongest Late Late Show opening on the RTÉ Player.

The interest in Kielty continued long after the credits rolled as clips of the show posted on the Late Late's social media amassed even more views. In total, since September 1, the social accounts have had 7.6 million views.

Host Patrick Kielty pictured with James McClean. Picture: Michelle Daly

With his first show under his belt, the Ballywalter actor has thanked those who helped him through the excitement and nerves.

"Overwhelmed by all your messages before, during and after my first Late Late Show," he wrote on Instagram.

"It was an absolute privilege to step onto that stage and it really felt that so many of you were carrying me. I can't thank you enough."

The post showed a photo of the gift given to him by his wife and sons just before he went on air. It was a green leather shamrock keyring with a personalised message which read: "Good luck luck on the Late Late. Love Milo and James".

"Just before the show I was given this by the person who is always in my corner - win lose or draw. It almost put me over the edge but I know it helped get me through it. I love you @catdeeley."

A video posted on Friday night showed Kielty in the make-up chair preparing to go to the stage when he was shown a video from Deeley and then presented with the heartfelt gift.

Deeley told her husband of almost 21 years, that she had no doubt that he would be brilliant as he began his "dream job".