DUBLIN, Ireland – Patrick Kielty returned to RTÉ’s The late Late Show on Friday evening, his voice thick with emotion as he thanked audiences for their outpouring of support following his marital separation from Cat Deeley. The 54-year-old Northern Irish host, making his first television appearance since the couple announced their divorce in July, appeared visibly moved during his opening monologue.
Kielty, who took a three-month hiatus from the iconic Irish chat program, acknowledged the overwhelming kindness he’d received over the summer months. The end of his 13-year marriage to deeley, 48, was publicly confirmed on July 29.
“Honestly, it is indeed so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all of the love and support that you guys have sent my way,” Kielty told the studio audience, his voice wavering. He emphasized the unique connection between host and viewers, stating, “One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you’re never alone.”
Kielty thanked supporters in Irish,saying “go raibh míle maith agat” to those who had shown compassion toward his family. “It’s one of the many reasons why walking out here is always a privilege, why being back here tonight truly puts flesh on my bones,” he added before welcoming viewers to the program.
A clip of Kielty’s heartfelt monologue quickly went viral on social media, garnering support from various famous faces. Eamonn Holmes showed his support by “liking” the clip, while TV chef Donal Skehan commented, “Go on Paddy!” Clodagh McKenna responded with a heart emoji, and BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball also “liked” the post.
Kielty and Deeley released a joint statement on July 29 confirming their separation, emphasizing that the split involved no third parties. The former couple, married in 2012, share two sons: milo, 9, and James, 7. Their statement read: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.” The pair pledged to remain “united as loving parents” and requested privacy for their family. Deeley, who co-hosts ITV’s This Morning alongside Ben Shephard, has not publicly addressed the separation since returning to work after her summer break.
The current season of The Late Late Show, Kielty’s third at the helm, has featured a notable lineup of celebrity guests, including Hollywood stars Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. The actors appeared to promote their latest film, A Big Bold Stunning Journey, a romantic fantasy about two strangers on an extraordinary adventure.
