In just a few weeks we’ll be hearing that familiar opening tune as The Late Late Show returns to our screens.
But it will be a very different show to last season, as Patrick Kielty will be taking over as host.
The Down native reportedly met with RTÉ during the week to discuss their approach to the hit chat show.
A source told the Irish Mail on Sunday: “Patrick was in RTÉ for a few hours. He had a few meetings. It wasn’t an official visit per se; he didn’t meet his team or anything – that will come shortly.”
They reported that Patrick will have “some level of input” when it comes to the production of the series. The Late Late Show team is said to be largely the same, except for a few members, who have moved to different shows.
The publication also reported that the series is hoping to distance itself from the RTÉ Payment Scandal.
With a source telling them: “To be blunt, people are weary about recent events. While of course it’s still very much massively problematic, the reality is everyone wants and needs to look to the future. The payments scandal is still the great big elephant in the room.”
“So the message is that it takes a tiger with a great big roar to demonstrate that brighter, better times are ahead.”
But it wasn’t all business for Patrick during his visit as he also enjoyed a day in Croke Park last weekend, as Dublin and Kerry went head to head in the All-Ireland football final.
Speaking with BBC Sports, he explained: “This is the Irish Super Bowl.”
“What an amazing occasion. Anyone watching their first Gaelic football match today, this is why we love it,” he added.
