The bookies have said who they believe is most likely to take over from Patrick Kielty
Patrick Kielty on the Late Late Show (Image: RTÉ – The Late Late Show)
Irish television and radio presenter Miriam O’Callaghan has emerged as the clear frontrunner to succeed the current host of RTÉ’s flagship programme, The Late Late Show.
Bookmakers have dramatically cut the odds for O’Callaghan, 66, to take over from Patrick Kielty, with her chances now sitting at 2/1 over the past few days.
The timing could prove ideal for the Prime Time and Sunday With Miriam presenter to add a Friday night entertainment programme to her already impressive portfolio.
The shift in odds follows Jennifer Zamparelli ruling herself out of the running, effectively drawing a line under speculation that she might step into the highly sought-after presenting role.
It’s also worth noting that Miriam has fronted The Late Late Show on several occasions previously, reports the Irish Mirror.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Miriam O’Callaghan is the clear favourite with punters, and it looks like we’ve reached a point where it really is time to have the first female host of the Late Late Show!”
Whether Patrick Kielty might return to the programme remains uncertain. RTÉ and Mr Kielty signed a three-year contract in 2023 worth €250,000 per season.
Nevertheless, it recently came to light that Kielty was actually paid €266,323 in 2025 and €257,657 in 2024.
The national broadcaster noted that this was because it “required” Patrick Kielty to present more programmes “beyond his standard contract.”
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has stated he would “love” to retain Patrick Kielty as The Late Late Show host, and has stood firmly behind the additional payments made to the presenter.
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