PATRICK KIELTY IS staying on as host of The Late Late Show until 2028. 

RTÉ confirmed the Co Down comedian had extended his contract in a statement this afternoon, stating that the new three-year deal allows for up to 30 shows per season.

“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,” Kielty said.

“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.”

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

His initial three-year contract with RTÉ expired in May, and the presenter kept quiet about his plans as he wrapped up the season finale. 

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. 

RTÉ said Kielty will now take the show into its 66th season from September.

The national broadcaster said the last season of the Late Late had an average of 385,000 viewers per episode and over 1.46 million streams on the RTÉ Player, an increase on the previous year.

Last season also saw 6.8 million engagements on social media, an increase of 53%, and 88.7 million video views, an increase of 19% on the previous season. 

“I am absolutely delighted that Patrick will remain at the helm of The Late Late for a further three years,” RTÉ group head of entertainment and music Alan Tyler said. 

“Under his stewardship we have been able to give a new lease of life to the show, reaching audiences on both traditional and new platforms. The Late Late Show is only at the start of a revolution in that approach, and, with Patrick continuing in the hot seat, we are hugely excited about our plans for forthcoming seasons.”

RTÉ’s director of video Steve Carson said Kielty has made the Late Late his own and the figures “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,” he said.