RTÉ bosses are reportedly thrilled as Patrick Kielty pulled in more viewers than Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show.
The comedian will host the final Late Late show of his debut season on Friday, May 10.
According to figures, there has been an average of 45,000 more viewers each week thanks to the Co.Down native.
New figures released to the Irish Sun showcased that 22 episodes of The Late Late Show in the 2023/2024 season had an average audience of 452,000, with a 39 per cent share.
These figures are in contrast to Ryan’s final season, which had an average audience of 407,000 with a 38 per cent share from the same number of episodes last year.
RTÉ bosses are said to be “over the moon” with the performance so far of the presenter who is married to Cat Deeley.
A source told The Irish Sun: “What’s even more significant is that Patrick Kielty has turned the Late Late Show from a talk show into an entertainment show. But with serious conversations taking place.”
“That’s the brilliance of Patrick, he can go from interviewing the Taoiseach one minute to jumping around in ballet tights for laughs.”
“No one else can do that. Patrick is politically smart but also knows how to get laughs,” the source concluded.
RTÉ is also said to be delighted that the new host is attracting younger viewers to the show.
The station also told the Irish Sun that “audience share for the Late Late Show Show in the 15-34 age demographic is up versus this period last year”.
Audiences have been entertained by hilarious stunts including a member of the studio audience being drenched with buckets of water during a quiz on last Friday’s show.
The source said: “It’s pure Ant & Dec now on the Late Late.”
“People need some light relief on a Friday night and they’re getting it from Patrick Kielty.”
The TV host signed a deal with RTE to make a 30-show run every season until 2026.
