One sleep to go: Patrick Kielty on his first Late Late Toy Show as presenter

Amid a background of pay scandals and job cuts, Patrick Kielty has found himself at the helm of Ireland’s most iconic show. His biggest challenge is yet to come, writes Nicole Glennon

Patrick Kielty: "I think you’ve got to do your own show. I think it’s very much a thing of everyone has a different personality and everybody’s got a different way of doing things." Pics: Evan Doherty

When I meet Patrick Kielty in a room in RTÉ’s Donnybrook headquarters, the first thing I notice is the table he’s sitting at.

It’s an old wooden table, reminiscent of the kind you might find yourself behind at the annual parent-teacher meeting as you wait to hear how your child has been doing this term. Kielty might feel he’s facing a similar catch-up.