The Future of Montrose: Is This the End of the Patrick Kielty Era on The Late Late Show?

As the dust settles on another high-octane season of Ireland’s most iconic television institution, a cornerstone of the Irish television landscape, a familiar sense of uncertainty has descended upon Montrose. With the final credits rolling on the latest series, viewers and media analysts alike are locked in a guessing game: Was this the final curtain call for Patrick Kielty? This very question frames the ongoing debate: Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig.

After taking the reins in 2023, the Co. Down comedian brought a fresh, often polarizing energy to the prime-time Friday slot hot seat. However, with his initial three-year contract reaching its conclusion, the silence from national broadcaster RTÉ regarding his future has been deafening. As we navigate the landscape of 2026, the pressing question of “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig” looms large. The question of who might inherit the most influential seat in Irish broadcasting is no longer just a rumor—it is the talk of the nation.

The Contractual Crossroads: Why the Speculation?

Patrick Kielty’s tenure as a television presenter has been a fascinating case study in modern broadcasting. Stepping into the shoes of a predecessor as entrenched as Ryan Tubridy was never going to be a simple task. Yet, Kielty managed to steer the ship through choppy waters, maintaining a respectable audience share of 38% and proving that the Late Late Show remains a cornerstone of the Irish cultural experience, with over 1.4 million streams on the RTÉ Player.

Despite these solid metrics, the expiration of his three-year agreement has triggered standard industry media speculation and analysis. In the world of television, the end of a contract cycle is the moment for renegotiation or renewal. RTÉ, ever tight-lipped on individual talent contracts, has maintained its policy of non-comment, leaving the door wide open for whispers of a shake-up and intensifying the discussion: Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig.

The Contenders: Who Could Replace Kielty?

As the industry ponders “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig,” if the powers-that-be at RTÉ decide that it is time for a change, the list of potential replacements is as diverse as it is talented. The bookmakers have been working overtime, tracking the shifting tides of public opinion and industry rumors.

1. Gavan Reilly: The Current Affairs Heavyweight

Currently sitting at 2/1 with Ladbrokes, Gavan Reilly has emerged as a frontrunner in the ongoing debate, “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig.” His transition into a solo current affairs show on Virgin Media One has showcased his ability to handle complex political narratives with ease. If RTÉ wants to pivot the Late Late Show back toward a more hard-hitting, analytical tone, focusing on in-depth guest interviews and segments, Reilly is a natural fit.

2. The Case for a Female Lead: Doireann Garrihy and Miriam O’Callaghan

The conversation regarding a female host, particularly in the context of “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig,” and the future of this flagship entertainment program, is louder than ever. Doireann Garrihy (5/2) represents the new guard of Irish media—energetic, socially connected, and a proven ratings draw. On the other hand, Miriam O’Callaghan (3/1) remains the ultimate safe pair of hands. Her extensive CV and deep-rooted history with RTÉ make her the quintessential “institution” candidate, showcasing a strong broadcasting career trajectory.

3. The Wildcards: Kieran Cuddihy and Tommy Tiernan

Kieran Cuddihy (4/1) has been a constant name in the rumor mill, especially when considering “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig.” While he has remained coy about his interest, his work on Liveline has endeared him to a massive, loyal audience. Meanwhile, Tommy Tiernan (5/1) remains a fan favorite. Moving him from his successful Saturday slot to the Friday night flagship would be a bold, disruptive move that could inject a much-needed chaotic energy into the show.

The Broader Landscape: Why 2026 is a Tipping Point

It is impossible to ignore the global context of late-night television. As we look at the international scene, specifically the 2026 closure of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the US, it is clear that the traditional “talk show” format is undergoing an existential crisis.

The move by CBS to retire the Late Show franchise entirely due to financial pressures serves as a stark reminder to broadcasters everywhere: the audience is changing. If RTÉ wants the Late Late Show to survive and thrive, especially with the question of “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig” looming, the next host cannot simply be a “presenter.” They must be a brand, a digital influencer, and a content creator all rolled into one, adept at audience engagement strategies.

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be critical. RTÉ is expected to make an official announcement regarding the future of the show and provide clarity on “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig” as part of its succession planning discussions before the next production cycle begins. Whether Patrick Kielty decides to extend his stay or move on to new pastures, the decision will mark a defining moment for the station’s identity.

For the viewers, many of whom are asking “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig,” the Late Late Show is more than just a television program—it is a Friday night ritual. Whether it is hosted by a seasoned journalist, a sharp-witted comedian, or a fresh face from the digital sphere, the goal remains the same: to capture the national conversation and hold the mirror up to Irish society.

Key Takeaways for the Future:

The “Kielty” Verdict: Still pending, but expected imminently.

The Betting Odds: Gavan Reilly leads the pack, followed closely by a strong female contingent.

The Industry Shift: The global decline of late-night TV puts pressure on RTÉ to innovate rather than just replace.

Viewer Loyalty: Despite the speculation, the show maintains a robust 38% audience share, proving its lasting power.

As we wait for the white smoke to rise from Montrose, and for the definitive answer to “Was that Patrick Kielty’s last Late Late? This is who could take over the hosting gig,” one thing is certain: the Late Late Show chair remains the most coveted, pressurized, and scrutinized seat in Ireland. Whoever ends up in it next, they have a massive task ahead of them to keep the flame alive in an era of fragmented audiences and shifting digital habits.