The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has thanked viewers for their “love and support” since he and presenter Cat Deeley announced their separation after more than a decade of marriage.
He made the comments on the first night of the show’s new season, which is Kielty’s third as host.
Opening the programme, he told the studio audience and viewers: “Honestly, it is so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all of the love and support that you guys have sent my way.
“One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you’re never alone.
“So to all of you who have been so kind to me and my family these past few months, can I just say a huge go raibh mÃle maith agat.
“It’s one of the many reasons why walking out here is always a privilege, why being back here tonight truly puts flesh on my bones and why it never gets old to say these words: Welcome to The Late Late Show!”
Kielty and Deeley, who hosts This Morning on ITV, married in September 2012.
They announced their separation in July in a statement saying: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.
“We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected.
“There will be no further comment.”
Kielty, a native of Co Down, took over from Ryan Tubridy as The Late Late Show host in 2023.
Deeley has hosted This Morning alongside Ben Shephard since early last year, and previously lived in Los Angeles for more than ten years.