Patrick Kielty is a Northern Irish comedian, television presenter, and actor. He is best known for hosting the BBC’s Patrick Kielty Almost Live and Channel 4’s Last Chance Lottery. He has also presented ITV’s Love Island and This Morning. He is currently the host of The Late Late Show on RTÉ One and presents a Saturday morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Kielty was born in Dundrum, County Down, Northern Ireland, on 31 January 1971. He began his stand-up career in the early 1990s, and quickly became one of the most successful comedians in Northern Ireland. He has since performed all over the world, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival.
In 1997, Kielty began hosting his own television show, Patrick Kielty Almost Live. The show was a mixture of stand-up comedy, sketches, and interviews, and was a ratings success. Kielty also hosted the Channel 4 game show Last Chance Lottery from 2002 to 2003.
In 2005, Kielty presented the first series of ITV’s Love Island. He has also presented ITV’s This Morning. In 2018, Kielty presented the documentary film Patrick Kielty: One Hundred Years of Union, which explored the history of Northern Ireland. The film won a Royal Television Society award for best presenter.
In 2023, Kielty was announced as the new host of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show. He took over from Ryan Tubridy and became the show’s fourth permanent presenter.
Kielty is married to Cat Deeley, an English television presenter. They have two sons.
Here are some of Patrick Kielty’s most notable television credits:
- Patrick Kielty Almost Live (1997–2000)
- Last Chance Lottery (2002–2003)
- Love Island (2005)
- This Morning (2008–2010)
- Patrick Kielty: One Hundred Years of Union (2018)
- The Late Late Show (2023–present)
Kielty is a talented and versatile entertainer who has made a significant contribution to television in both the UK and Ireland. He is sure to continue to entertain audiences for many years to come.
Patrick Kielty’s personal life:
Patrick Kielty embraces both his Irish and Northern Irish identities, acknowledging that Northern Ireland’s association with the UK grants him a partial British heritage. His personal life is marked by his marriage to English television presenter Cat Deeley, whom he met while co-hosting Fame Academy. Their union blossomed into a family with the arrival of their two sons in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Kielty’s admiration for Manchester United extends beyond the football pitch, reflecting his enduring passion for the club.
Patrick Kielty is a renowned Northern Irish comedian, television presenter, and actor who has captivated audiences worldwide with his wit, charm, and insightful observations. His illustrious career spans over three decades, marked by numerous accolades, popular television shows, and a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Early Beginnings and Stand-up Success
Kielty’s comedic journey commenced during his school years, where his talent for impersonations and humor caught the attention of his teachers and peers. In 1991, while pursuing a psychology degree at Queen’s University Belfast, he co-founded The Empire Laughs Back, Northern Ireland’s first comedy club, providing a platform for emerging comedians and showcasing his own burgeoning talent.
Television Breakthrough and Channel 4’s Last Chance Lottery
Kielty’s breakthrough in television came in 1997 with his own BBC show, “Patrick Kielty Almost Live.” The show’s blend of stand-up comedy, sketches, and interviews resonated with viewers, establishing Kielty as a household name in the UK and beyond.
In 2002, Kielty’s television stardom reached new heights when he took the helm of Channel 4’s game show “Last Chance Lottery.” With his quick wit and engaging personality, he guided contestants through a series of challenges, offering them a last chance to win life-changing prizes.
Love Island, This Morning, and Documentary Forays
Kielty’s versatility extended to the realm of reality television when he presented the first series of ITV’s “Love Island” in 2005. His ability to connect with the show’s participants and inject humor into the romantic escapades made him a popular choice for this new genre.
Kielty’s television repertoire expanded further when he co-presented ITV’s popular daytime show “This Morning” from 2008 to 2010. His natural charisma and ability to engage in lively discussions with guests made him a beloved addition to the program.
Demonstrating his depth and range as a performer, Kielty ventured into documentaries, producing and presenting the critically acclaimed “Patrick Kielty: One Hundred Years of Union” in 2018. The film explored the complex history of Northern Ireland, earning Kielty a Royal Television Society award for Best Presenter.
The Late Late Show and Radio Success
In 2023, Kielty reached the pinnacle of Irish television when he was announced as the new host of RTÉ’s iconic “The Late Late Show.” His appointment marked a significant milestone, cementing his status as a beloved and respected figure in the Irish entertainment industry.
Beyond television, Kielty has established himself as a prominent radio personality, hosting a Saturday morning program on BBC Radio 5 Live since 2019. His engaging style, insightful interviews, and ability to make listeners laugh have made his radio show a popular choice for weekend audiences.
Awards and Recognition
Kielty’s contributions to television and entertainment have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- 1998: British Comedy Award for Best Newcomer
- 2002: Royal Television Society award for Best Entertainment Presenter
- 2018: Royal Television Society award for Best Presenter for “Patrick Kielty: One Hundred Years of Union”
Legacy and Enduring Appeal
Patrick Kielty’s career trajectory exemplifies the power of talent, perseverance, and the ability to connect with audiences through humor, insight, and genuine personality. His journey from a budding comedian in Northern Ireland to a household name across the UK and Ireland is a testament to his enduring appeal and the impact he has made on the entertainment landscape.