Jam-packed season finale of Late Late Show fails to address Patrick Kielty's future as host
Friday night's episode of The Late Late Show marked the end of the 2025-2026 season. Picture: Late Late Show/Instagram.
Friday night's season finale of failed to address mounting speculation that host Patrick Kielty may not return for a fourth season.
Anticipation had been building in recent weeks about whether the Co Down native would renew his contract with the national broadcaster.
Kielty took over hosting duties from Ryan Tubridy three years ago. After much speculation, he was revealed as Tubridy’s replacement in May 2023, becoming the fourth presenter of the popular chat show, following in the footsteps of Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, and Tubridy.
Kielty has been a well-liked host and has been regarded for his open and honest approach.
Back in September, Kielty kicked off the latest season of the show by addressing the high-profile end of his marriage of 13 years to fellow broadcaster Cat Deeley.
He became emotional in his opening monologue, thanking viewers for their “love and support” following the news of their split, which came after the death of his mother, Mary, earlier that year.
Paying an emotional tribute to her during the St Patrick’s Day Special of the show on March 14, he spoke of how she watched the show religiously.
In May, Kielty’s empathy and warmth shone through on the show again, when he was joined in the studio by Lottie Ryan, the daughter of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan, to mark 15 years since her father’s passing.
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Kielty became visibly emotional when Ryan spoke of her father’s legacy on the show.
"You're talking about legacy and people talk about what people did in their career; for me, his legacy is you and your brothers and sisters, and your wee fella. How proud would he be of you guys, what you've come through, and where you all are?,” Kielty told Ryan.
"I hope he'd be proud," said Ryan, before taking a moment to hold in her own tears.
Kielty wrapped the interview by reassuring Ryan: "I don't think you need to hope, because I know he would. On behalf of all of us, I just want to say how much so many people in this country loved and admired him."
With still no confirmation about his contractual agreement ahead of a fourth season, Kielty may be making a return as host of in December, after three years of testing toys, refereeing the infamous County Parade, and spending hours in hair and makeup to bring the most magical night on the Irish calendar to life.
The closing episode on Friday night, marking the end of the 2025-2026 season, opened with a rendition of Westlife’s
Singer-songwriter Garron Noone opened the show with an acoustic version of the song, before being joined in the studio by Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne.
Kielty spoke with the members of Westlife and Noone about their upcoming shows together later this year.
He also spoke with Jordan and Cian Adams, known as the FTD Brothers, about their mission to run 32 marathons in the 32 counties on the island of Ireland to raise funds to find a cure for FTD, the type of dementia they lost their mother to 10 years ago at the age of just 52.
After being told that they have a 99.9% chance of developing the same early-onset dementia as their mother, the brothers are on a mission to raise awareness of the disease.
Also joining Kielty were Doreen and Patrick Cunningham, the grandparents of Austin Appelbee, who swam through choppy waters off western Australia to raise the alarm after his mother, Joanne, and two younger siblings were swept out to sea.
Doreen told Kielty of her grandson’s bravery, explaining that he had swum for four hours and run a further 2km once he reached land, to get help.
To the shock and surprise of both Doreen and Patrick, their daughter Joanne, and their grandchildren Austin, Beau, and Grace joined them in the studio, having been flown in from Australia for the occasion.
Kielty’s final guest was Boy George, who spoke about his Irish roots, traced back to Dublin and Tipperary, his legacy, his style and love for fashion, the death of his mother and how he still carries her with him, and his relationship with his father.
The show closed with a final performance from Westlife, singing
