The one thing we all learned from that whole Garthgate fiasco, is that this island of ours is home to a shed load of country music fans. You probably know one, and if you don't, it's YOU.

For the last three years, The Late Late Show has hosted a Country Music Special and its proved hugely popular, almost getting as many viewers as The Toy Show. So now.

There's a jam-packed show in store this Friday and of course, they will mainly be paying tribute to Big Tom, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.

Ryan Tubridy said: "This week, more than any, we have seen how the country scene in Ireland is part of the fabric of who we are. It is only fitting that we should pay tribute to Big Tom.

"As one of the best-loved singers in Ireland, he paved the way for a lot of today’s biggest performers. We’ll be hearing from some of those who knew him best and celebrating the popularity of the music that he loved so much. There is something for everyone in this show from the die-hard fans to those looking to dip their toe into country waters."

It wouldn't be a Country Music Special without Daniel O'Donnell and the Donegal crooner will on the show alongside Nathan Carter, Susan McCann, Paddy Cole and Fr Brian D’Arcy.

This year’s Late Late Show Country Special will also put a focus on the wide appeal of country music by featuring some of the crossover hits that have broken out of the scene to make it big in the mainstream.

Boyzone singer Ronan Keating will be telling viewers about the country origins of one of his biggest solo hits When You Say Nothing At All and he’ll be performing it with one of the newest stars of the scene, Lisa McHugh.

Derek Ryan and Sandy Kelly will sing the classic Islands in the Stream and Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan will be bringing viewers their version of Hurts So Good.

In ‘Circle of Friends’, the stars of country will celebrate some major hits and a special nod will go to Rhinestone Cowboy singer Glen Campbell.

Ryan will also be joined by Gloria, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley, Declan Nerney, Mike Denver, Michael English and Robert Mizzell.

Stetsons at the ready - The Late Late Show Country Special, this Friday on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.