By Sandra Mallon
Copyright irishmirror
More than 400,000 people tuned into the return of the Late Late Show as host Patrick Kielty addressed his marriage split.
Hollywood royalty Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell chatted about their upcoming film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Michael Flatley opened up about backing out of the Presidential race, former rugby star Conor Murray told of his retirement plans and former President Mary Robinson was also in the studio.
Figures by RTE reveal an average audience of 418,000 tuned in to watch the Friday night chat show as host Kielty also revealed the Late Late Toy Show will be held on December 5.
A spokesman for RTE said: “On Friday night, The Late Late Show had an average audience of 418,000 (Live + VOSDAL) on RTÉ One and RTÉ One +1, with an average audience share of 42% on RTÉ One. There were 57,000 streams on RTÉ Player. On social, there were 5.4 million video views, and 255,000 engagements.”
On Friday, Kielty also took the opportunity to thank fans for their support after his separation from Cat Deeley. In July, the RTÉ star and his ITV presenter wife confirmed that they called time on their 12-year marriage.
Patrick got choked up as he referenced his family in his opening monologue of the Late Late Show.
“Honestly it is so nice to be back with you especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all the love and support that has been sent my way,” he said.
“One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you are never alone, so to all of you that have been so kind to me and my family these past few months, I want to say a huge go raibh mile maith agat.
“It’s one of the many reasons why walking out here is always a privilege and 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.”
Patrick and Cat confirmed their separation in July following 12 years of marriage, much to the shock of their fans.
Their joint statement read: “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.”
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