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Dublin Live
Entertainment
Rayana Zapryanova & Sarah Magliocco

Patrick Kielty turned down the role of Late Late Show presenter more than two decades ago

The new Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty turned down the role once before, it has emerged.

The County Down native, who will succeed Ryan Tubridy in the next season of the long running Irish chat show, was reportedly considered for the presenter role in the late 90s when Gay Byrne was preparing to step away.

According to Independent.ie, the star was first approached to discuss a future on the show back in 1999. A member of his management team confirmed at the time: “Yes, it’s true… He is currently studying the offer, along with a number of other offers, and as of yet no official papers have been signed.”

Read more: This Morning explains who will replace Phillip Schofield in official statement

However, Patrick had a number of other TV commitments at the time, after fronting a UK lottery show and Patrick Kielty Almost Live on BBC One. Presently, he has stepped up to the plate and secured the role, according to an announcement made yesterday.

Speaking of the exciting news, Patrick Kielty said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show. To follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan as the next custodian is a real honour and I can’t thank RTÉ enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show.

"I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world. I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television."

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