Patrick Kielty will return to the Late Late Show after RTÉ confirmed he has extended his contract until 2028.
The announcement ends months of speculation over whether the Co Down comedian would return next season after his current deal expired in May, reports The Mirror.
Kielty’s last contract saw him earn €250,000 per year for 30 shows, though he made more in 2024 and 2025.
In those years he received €257,657 and €266,323 respectively because RTÉ bosses “required” him to present “some additional programmes beyond his standard contract,” reports The Mirror.
His new three-year deal allows for up to 30 shows per season, though the salary has not yet been disclosed.
Last season, Kielty welcomed guests including Jessie Buckley, Priscilla Presley, Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Coleen Rooney, Aisling Bea, Jon Bon Jovi, Westlife, Gabriel Byrne, Katie Taylor and Shane Lowry, reports The Mirror.
The last season of the Late Late Show averaged 385,000 viewers per episode with a 38.2% share and over 1.46 million streams on RTÉ Player.
Patrick Kielty said: “Hosting The Late Late Show is one of the greatest gigs in the world and the past three years have been a joy and a privilege. The heart of the show will always be our amazing audience and I can’t wait to be part of their Friday nights again from this September,” reports The Mirror.
Steve Carson, RTÉ’s Director of Video, said: “Patrick has made the Late Late truly his own and the figures, not least the incredible engagement on social media, demonstrate his star power and easy connection with audiences young and old. The Late Late celebrates its 66th season this year — so many more great editions and guests to look forward to with Paddy at the helm, including the biggest telly night of the year with The Late Late Toy Show.”
Alan Tyler, RTÉ Group Head of Entertainment and Music, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Patrick will remain at the helm of The Late Late for a further three years,” reports The Mirror.
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