RTE Late Late Show viewers fume over first guest
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Patrick Kielty, settling into his Late Late Show presenting gig, saw a bit of a viewer drop-off last Friday when one guest had audiences scrambling for the remote.
The show's fans were left unimpressed with Simon Harris' segment despite a diverse line-up that included an ex-Taoiseach, a brand-new pop duo from boyband royalty, and a group of country music icons, Galway Beo reported. Viewers weren't expecting much more than polished answers from Harris and they took to social media to express their boredom. "Simon is being really clear on a lot of issues tonight... yawn", moaned one unenthused watcher.
Another viewer was distinctly underwhelmed by Harris' stint on the Late Late Show, remarking: "The attempt at media rehabilitation continues for Tweedledee Simon Harris".
The Tánaiste hit the studio to chat about some serious political business – from Ireland's neutral stance and defence strategies to looming trade war fears – but Patrick zeroed in on housing right off the bat.
Patrick snagged some praise for grilling the Minister diving straight into the deep end with 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."
He also reminisced about his tenure as Taoiseach, securing his spot in history as the youngest ever leader of the Irish state.
On the 15th anniversary of her father Gerry Ryan's death, 2FM presenter Lottie Ryan joined Patrick for a heartfelt chat about her dad's life and legacy.
(Image: Pier Marco Tacca, Getty Images)
In her first detailed TV interview about her father, Lottie openly discussed losing him at just 23 years old, shared treasured memories of their close bond, and reflected on what it means to carry on his broadcasting legacy.
Pop icons Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, better known as Boyzlife, also popped in for chat with Patrick about their remarkable careers and the journey that brought them together on stage.
They looked back on their time in two of the world'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 celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Late Late Show honoured this iconic institution with a special performance from three of Ireland's rising country stars - Claudia Buckley, David James and Gerry Guthrie - who performed a timeless country classic.
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