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Patrick Kielty Signs Off Late Late Show without Addressing Contract Renewal

RTÉ has not confirmed a new deal as the season finale closed with a strong lineup and Westlife’s farewell performance.

  • On Friday, Patrick Kielty concluded The Late Late Show season finale amid mounting speculation over his future, as his original three-year contract with RTE officially ended following the broadcast.
  • As the first non-Dublin anchor of the long-running chat show, Kielty has maintained steady presence since succeeding Ryan Tubridy in 2023, earning praise for his assured common touch throughout his tenure.
  • The season finale featured Irish comedian Garron Noone and the band Westlife, who received the Late Late Legends Award and performed three of their greatest anthems before the summer break.
  • While RTE Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has expressed desire for Kielty to remain, the broadcaster has yet to confirm a new deal, with negotiations appearing in limbo as the show enters its summer break.
  • The programme is expected to return for its 65th series in the autumn, though it remains unclear whether Kielty will be at the helm as management finalizes future programming plans.
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Irish Times broke the news in Dublin, Ireland on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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