The long-running chat show and the newest episode of its 61st season has another interesting line-up in store in what we now know will be Ryan Tubridy's final season as host.
With his final ever show on the horizon, we're getting a bumper edition chock full of guests before Ryan Tubridy rides off into the sunset.
For this very special show, President Michael D. Higgins has invited Ryan to join him in Áras an Uachtaráin for a final 'Late Late' interview. President Higgins has been a regular guest on 'The Late Late Show' throughout his presidency, joining Ryan at key moments over the past 14 years. This Friday the President will share his thoughts about where the nation is at, as we move on from the Centenary commemorations and why we must never forget the lessons of the past.
Then, in a very special 'Late Late Toy Show' reunion, some of the show's favourite kids from over the years behind the biggest moments from the nation's favourite night of the year will bid Ryan a fond farewell. From celebrity walkouts, family reunions and kids that inspired a nation, Ryan will be remembering that 'Toy Show' magic one more time. As well as a catch-up with our now ‘not-so-little’ stars, viewers will also be treated to a 'Toy Show' performance which has been kept entirely under wraps from Ryan.
Following that, the greatest trad super-group ever will assemble to give Ryan a send-off that he will never forget, including Andrea Corr, John Sheahan (The Dubliners), Moya Brennan (Clannad), Steve Wickham (The Waterboys), Sharon Shannon, Andrew Hendy (The Mary Wallopers), Jim Lockhart (Horslips), Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames), Niamh Dunne (Beoga), Jim Higgins (The Stunning), Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing), Ciarán Owens (The Tumbling Paddies), Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Aeons), Frankie Gavin (De Dannan), Maureen Codd (Cuckoos Nest), Shayan & Shahab Coohe (Nava), Debbie Byrne and Tara Howley.
And if that wasn't enough, one of Ireland’s latest breakthrough singer-songwriters Cian Ducrot will be on the show with a very special performance to mark the occasion.
All of that plus more familiar faces dropping in and many more surprises in store for the audience at home, and for Ryan.
Speaking about his upcoming swansong, Ryan said: "Tomorrow night is going to be a night of endings for sure, but beginnings for definite. While I will be saying a lot of goodbyes for my last 'Late Late Show', it will also be a night of gratitude. Gratitude to all the people I have worked with and continue to work with and their families. And enormous gratitude to the guests, the artists, the singers, and the ‘doers’ who have come through the door and graced us with their presence.
"And of course, my greatest gratitude to my family who have been so loving and patient and my greatest supporters. They are the ones to whom I dedicate my last show. They are my constant. I love them so much and I want them to know that.
"I also want to say thank you to the viewers who stuck with me, with us and with the show for the past 14 years. The viewers’ loyalty, decency, kindness and generosity has taken my breath away on a weekly basis. I sit looking at my desk this morning at about 300 or 400 cards and letters from people I don't even know, that have come from all around Ireland and in some cases all around the world.
"I am humbled, I am grateful, and I am excited because this is the end of one phase of this extraordinarily exciting life I have had so far. I will be turning the big 5-0 on Sunday so, it’s the perfect time to look ahead and welcome a new chapter. Until I am ready to share that next chapter, I am going to take some time off, I will reflect and process it all. My final words about my final 'Late Late Show' are ‘Thank You’.”
