RTE star Patrick Kielty last week bid an emotional farewell after his first season in the hot seat as the Late Late Show host.
The Down comic was close to tears as he wrapped up his first stint at the helm of the iconic show on Friday May 10.
The broadcaster, who last year signed a three-season deal to take over after Ryan Tubridy‘s departure, will be off air for four months until the next season in September.
RTE will be showing a variety of films throughout the summer at 9.35pm in the Late Late’s usual slot on Friday night.
This week, viewers will get to watch Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie.
The 2014 movie follows the story of Agnes Brown going to court to protect her family’s stall at Dublin’s Moore Street market from a corrupt businessman who wishes to convert it into a shopping centre.
Last Friday Patrick took a few moments at the end of the show to express his gratitude to the viewers for their “kindness” after his first season.
The 53-year-old got emotional as he said: “Before we go I just want to say, when I first walked out here last September I said that it was the honour of a lifetime to do this job.
“After nine months of sitting in this chair, I now know that it is the joy of a lifetime. And that is because of everyone who works on this show and mostly because of all of you watching at home.
“The way you have welcomed me into your Friday nights has absolutely meant the world to me.
“So thank you for tuning in and being so kind. Have a great summer and I’ll see you in the autumn.”
Viewers already can’t wait for Patrick’s second season and have praised him on doing a “fantastic job”.
Ann wrote: “Well done Paddy!!!! You are perfect for the job.
“Looking forward to having you back on our screens and again to keep us entertained. Hope you and your family have a lovely summer.”
Sarah said: “Well done paddy. You did a fantastic job. I admired your bravery to speak about things that mattered to you.
IN THE HOTSEAT
Patrick Kielty was confirmed as the new Late Late Show host back in May 2023.
Amid the crisis that engulfed the national broadcaster, he revealed in June that he would be paid €250,000 per chat show season– and he wouldn’t be claiming for flights and accommodation.
The dad-of-two commutes from London to present the Friday night flagship but said he will be paying for all of his flights and accommodation himself.
Confirming he will be paid €250,000 per season, Kielty said he also got €20,000 to cover rehearsals and prep between the summer and September.
He revealed: “I’m pleased to finally be able to share that I’ve signed a three season deal to host The Late Late Show beginning this September.
“I’m being paid €250,000 per 30 show season. If additional shows are requested by RTE, they’ll be paid on a pro-rata basis.”
And speaking before his debut in September, Kielty revealed why he decided to publish the details of his €250,000 Late Late Show salary and turn down €50,000 in expenses as he declared: “From my point of view, I wanted to get my deal out there.
“If you work for a public service broadcaster, what you are going to earn is always going to be revealed.
“I worked for the BBC for years and that’s how it works so the idea of putting that out there is the most natural thing in the world.
“And when you get it out there, up front, and people know what you are getting paid, and you can move on and do the show.”
“You have been a brilliant asset to RTE. Hope you have a lovely summer break with your family.”
Jarlath commented: “Some man for one man. What a first season! Can’t wait for the next one.”
Another viewer remarked: “Congratulations on to you for doing a brilliant job, looking forward to the next.”