Pat promises unusual fare for Late Late finale

THE old Rolling Stones hit You Can’t Always Get What You Want blared out from the special outdoor set constructed for tonight’s Late Late Show as Pat Kenny held his final media interviews yesterday as host of the world’s longest-running TV chat show.

Not that such thoughts were troubling Mr Kenny as he prepares to bow out tonight after 10 successful years at the helm of RTÉ’s flagship programme, but the lyrics might be viewed as an ironic commentary on rumours that the broadcaster was pushed out of the LLS hot seat, rather than voluntarily giving up his place for a younger model.

Despite fears that the 47-year-old “institution” would suffer in the post-Gay Byrne era, an average of 682,000 viewers have watched each edition of the current season – its highest rating over the past decade.