PATRICK KIELTY KEPT Late Late Show viewers in the dark over whether he will be back as host later this year as the current series drew to a close. 

The last show of the season didn’t include an opening monologue from Kielty, which he often does, and finished after hosting guests including Boy George, Garron Noone and Westlife.

“That is it from us for tonight and for this season. We hope you have a fab summer. This has been The Late Late Show. I’ve been Patrick Kielty,” the host said, before going to Westlife for a closing performance of If I Let You Go. 

The band’s Shane Filan was the one to say “see you in September” – though he was referring to Westlife’s upcoming shows in Dublin’s 3Arena. 

Speculation has been mounting about Kielty’s future on the talk show since the Irish Independent last month reported that contract talks were ongoing, with no sign of a deal.

The Co Down comedian’s initial three-year contract with RTÉ expires after tonight’s show. 

In a statement to The Journal, an RTÉ spokesperson said it does not comment on individual contracts.

“As The Late Late Show reaches the end of another successful season, it has an average of 390,000 viewers per episode – 38% share with 1.4 million streams on RTÉ Player to date,” the spokesperson said.

“We look forward to the programme returning for its 65th year in the autumn.”

Kielty took over hosting duties in 2023, becoming the fourth presenter of the flagship show after Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy.

After getting the job, he confirmed he had signed a deal for three seasons of 30 shows each on a €250,000 salary. 

He has been generally well-received by audiences since taking over the role, particularly when it comes to the Late Late Toy Show.

Kielty has been commuting to Dublin from London weekly since getting the job. At the start of this season last September, he thanked people for showing him support following his separation from his television presenter wife Cat Deeley. 

“Honestly it is so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all the love and support you guys have sent my way,” he said.

“One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you’re never alone, so to all of you who have been so kind to me and my family these past few months can I just say a huge go raibh míle maith agat.”

In February, RTÉ director-general Kevin Bakhurst said he would like to see Kielty stay on hosting the flagship show, saying he would have “discussions over the coming months” about his future. 

“I’ve made it really clear to Patrick that we all think he’s doing a great job and we would like to continue that,” he said.