RTE Late Late Show line-up: A former President and a legendary comedian are among this week's guests

RTE has announced the line-up for this week's Late Late Show, with host Patrick Kielty set to be joined in studio by big names from the world of entertainment, politics and sport.

Leading Friday night's line-up is former President Mary McAleese and broadcasting icon Mary Kennedy, the longtime friends who now host the chart-topping podcast The Changing Times.

The two Marys will chatting to Kielty about their thriving friendship as well as the state of the world, while they will also have their say on the upcoming Irish Presidential election.

Also appearing on Friday's show will be actor and comedian Pat Shortt, who marks his thirtieth year on our screens in 2025. The Father Ted star joins Kielty in studio to talk about his career highs and to share his memories of the late, great Jon Kenny, who sadly passed away in November, and their beloved comedy act, D’unbelievables.

Home from the world’s toughest row, Team Power Of 1's John O’Driscoll, Conor McCarthy, Daragh Kelly, Enda McNicholas and Roger McMorrow will all be in the RTE studio on Friday night for a Late Late Show homecoming celebration.

In what was a heroic journey that had the country row in behind them, the quintet rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic Ocean to raise as much funds as possible to help children born with congenital heart disease in Ireland.

Team Power Of 1 took on the incredible challenge in memory of John’s daughter Saoirse, their honorary sixth crew member, who died in April 2024 at the age of just 13 of coronary heart disease.

Friday's show will also see Kielty chat to the first ever Irish Gladiator, Cyclone, who will be speaking about her role on the iconic BBC One reboot.

Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele, is a 23-year-old classic powerlifter from Enniscorthy in Co Wexford and the sister of Irish soccer player Festy Ebosele, who is currently on loan at Watford. She will be filling viewers in on how she went from being a powerlifting world champion to dominating the Gladiator arena, as well as discussing the reaction to her debut on the hit show.

Fermanagh’s The Tumbling Paddies are set to make their return to The Late Late Show on Friday night. Bringing their unique Trad/Pop sound, the six-piece band will perform Night on the Town.

They'll also be teaming up with some audience members as their musical knowledge is put to the test in an exciting game known as 'What the Folk?'

The Late Late Show airs at 9.35pm every Friday night on RTE One and the RTE Player.

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