Tonight will mark Patrick Kielty’s debut as the new presenter of the Late Late show, and viewers are in for plenty of changes to the historic format.

From a new-look logo, to more audience participation and stellar guest appearances, fans of the show are in for a treat. In the run up to Friday’s season-opening episode, RTÉ has revealed a number of changes to Ireland's longest-running chat show. First up, and probably the most prominent change is that the set has had a major makeover, boasting old-Hollywood style decor. In images released by RTE, viewers pointed out the set’s new colour scheme; it is notably different with cool-toned accents, alongside blue and pink lighting. It also features a classic chat show curtain - featured in many top US sets.

First ?@PatricKielty #LateLate pic.twitter.com/oNRLGHdJPz

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 15, 2023

The show’s logo and running time has been changes; the duration of each episode is “approximately 90 minutes”, according to a report by the Irish Times. Patrick will be on-air for about half an hour less than his predecessor Ryan, and the chat show will boast a new, more modern logo. [caption id="attachment_588409" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Credit: Twitter/ RTELateLateShow[/caption] There will also only be 30 shows in the season, as opposed to the general run of between 27 and 35 shows in previous years. Rumours of much more participation from the audience were sparked when applications for the show were launched. Those wishing to be in the audience on Friday nights were asked to share “funny/interesting/extraordinary stories” that they would be “happy to contribute on air”. They were also asked to share their Irish hero, their dream Late Late Show guest, and if they’d like to celebrate a “special event” on the show.

"I can see the pitch - it’s time to get the boots on and time to make the show"

Speaking with RTE about his debut, Patrick Kielty said his main aim tonight is to simply enjoy it and "take it all in". The 52-year-old comedian, said the main emotion he is feeling ahead of his first show is "excitement". "It sort of feels that the anticipation - people talking and all that stuff - that's in the past,” he said. "I can see the pitch - it’s time to get the boots on and time to make the show."

Landing September 15th ?#LateLate pic.twitter.com/lrtonyzGlW

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 6, 2023

Although tonight’s guest list remains under wraps, Kielty said: "We're really chuffed with who we have for Friday and the [Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists] strike kind of hasn't affected that, which is pretty good news." Speaking about how he wants the new show format to be perceived, Kielty said he wants it "to be a little bit loose" and not to come across as "too polished”. He went on to say: "You know, I think it's kind of about having fun. If things are fun and things go wrong, I think that's kind of hopefully the tone of the show… I think there'll be ebbs and flows and hopefully something in there for everybody." Tonight's show will kick off at 9:35 pm on RTE One and the RTE Player.

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