Senior producer departs Late Late just four weeks into season

Sources said there had been 'tensions' behind the scenes during the first few weeks of this season, including between host Patrick Kielty and Ms Murphy over issues including the guests and his appearance on last Friday’s episode dressed as a jockey on a mechanical horse.

RTÉ’s Late Late Show has been rocked by the departure of its most senior producer just four weeks into the season.

Executive producer Jane Murphy has left the flagship show, having overseen its relaunch this year.

Sources close to the show told the Irish Examiner there had been “tensions” behind the scenes during the first few weeks of this season, including between host Patrick Kielty and Ms Murphy over issues including the guests and his appearance on last Friday’s episode dressed as a jockey on a mechanical horse.

Mr Kielty is also understood to have been sensitive to media coverage suggesting he had not asked boxer Carl Frampton questions about his links to the now defunct MTK boxing firm which was founded by crime boss Daniel Kinahan.

Ms Murphy’s departure was described as “unprecedented” after she was given the top job in Irish TV production this year, having previously worked as a producer on the show and the Toy Show during Ryan Tubridy’s tenure.

Head of Entertainment Alan Tyler informed the Late Late team and the entertainment department via email on Wednesday that Ms Murphy would no longer be working on the show.

In the email, seen by the Irish Examiner, Mr Tyler said Ms Murphy had done a “terrific job of overseeing the relaunch and moving the show into a new iteration with a new host.” “That is not easy, and it is great that this has landed so well,” the note to staff read.

“I know Jane will excel at what’s next and we will miss her.” 

When contacted about Ms Murphy’s departure after just three shows, Mr Tyler said: 

As a highly experienced executive producer, Jane Murphy worked on The Late Late Show for the past five months in pre-planning and production including taking Patrick and the show to air for the first four weeks.

“Now that the brand new series has been established she will be taking up a different role within television.

“I want to thank Jane for her steady stewardship and hard graft over the last five months to get the new show up and running and off to a great start. Myself, Patrick and the team are very grateful and have our heads down now in the flow of the new season.” 

An RTÉ spokesperson did not confirm what show Ms Murphy was moving to work on.

Mr Tyler announced that Roisin O’Dea will be returning to the Late Late as executive producer.