RTE Late Late Show viewers furious over first guest's appearance on the show
Settling nicely into his Late Late Show presenting role, Patrick Kielty experienced a bit of a viewer drop-off on Friday when one guest had audiences reaching for the remote.
Fans were unimpressed with Simon Harris's appearance despite a diverse line-up featuring the ex-Taoiseach, a freshly minted pop duo from boyband elite, and a posse of country music legends. Viewers expected nothing less than manicured responses from Harris and voiced their boredom online: "Simon is being really clear on a lot of issues tonight... yawn", commented one dissatisfied viewer.
Another viewer was distinctly underwhelmed by Harris' Late Late Show stint, saying: "The attempt at media rehabilitation continues for Tweedledee Simon Harris".
The Tánaiste graced the studio to discuss pressing political issues—from Ireland's stance on neutrality, its defence game plan, to an incoming trade war scare—yet Patrick cut right to the chase with housing.
Patrick earned accolades for pushing the Minister with more force than expected from a well-known comedian, immediately hitting hard on the nation's housing crisis: "I'm glad that the first question Patrick Kielty asked was about housing and very good follow up questions. It's an absolutely awful situation and the most urgent," reports Galway Beo.
He further reflected on his time as Taoiseach, carving out his place in the annals as the youngest ever Irish state leader.
Meanwhile, on the 15th anniversary of her father Gerry Ryan's passing, 2FM presenter Lottie Ryan joined Patrick for a heartfelt discussion about her dad's life and legacy.
In her first in-depth television interview about her father, Lottie candidly spoke about losing him at just 23 years old, shared cherished memories of their close relationship, and reflected on what it means to continue his broadcasting legacy.
Pop sensations Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, better known as Boyzlife, also dropped by for a chat with Patrick about their extraordinary careers and the journey that brought them together on stage.
They reminisced about their time in two of the globe's most successful boybands, Boyzone and Westlife, their experiences being managed by Louis Walsh, and navigating the music industry in their early twenties.
As the Grand Ole Opry marks its centenary, the Late Late Show paid tribute to this iconic institution with a special performance from three of Ireland's up-and-coming country stars - Claudia Buckley, David James and Gerry Guthrie - who delivered a timeless country classic.
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