Late Late Show Returns With Star Guests and Toy Show Tease

RTÉ's Late Late Show returned for a new season on Friday, September 18, 2026, with host Patrick Kielty presenting a star-studded lineup of guests and promising a special announcement about the annual Toy Show. The premiere episode, which aired at 9:35 PM on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, featured a mix of entertainment, sports, and cultural figures. Actress Siobhán McSweeney was among the first guests, discussing the success of The Traitors Ireland and her recent BAFTA win. She was joined in studio by some of the show's banished and murdered players, building anticipation for the series final. The episode also highlighted the summer's major sports story, with members of the Mayo senior football team and manager Andy Moran reflecting on their All-Ireland victory. The team included player Kobe McDonald, who has returned from Australia where he is pursuing a career in Australian rules football, and veteran Aidan O'Shea, who spoke about winning the title after 15 years of trying. Actress Caitríona Balfe joined Kielty to discuss her role in a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, her departure from the series Outlander, and her experience filming the film Belfast.