RTÉ confirms The Late Late Show return date as applications open for 2025 Toy Show

RTÉ has confirmed The Late Late Show will return to our TV screens next month, following the summer break.

The first episode of the new season will air on Friday, September 12 at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player - one week later than its usual early September start date. 

Patrick Kielty will return to host the long-running chat show, following some uncertainty about his return to the show. 

In recent weeks, rumours had circulated online that Kielty may not return as host following his separation from his wife of 13 years, Cat Deely. 

However, his return, for a third season, was confirmed when an RTÉ spokesperson expressed excitement for Kielty's comeback, saying: "RTÉ looks forward to Patrick returning to the Late Late Show in September." 

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Speaking on the upcoming season a spokesperson said: "Patrick will be joined by a host of special guests each Friday night in front of a live studio audience, and we are thrilled to offer you and your guest(s) the opportunity to come in and be part of the iconic Late Late Show experience. So, if you would like to be part of our studio audience on Friday nights, simply complete the application form." 

Applications to be an audience member can be made here: The Late Late Show Audience Applications. 

The Toy Show will also return this Christmas following record-breaking viewership last year. 

The national broadcaster has announced that applications for children to feature on the show have opened for the 2025 edition. 

Applications to be a part of a performance closes on Wednesday September 24, with performance auditions taking place in County Dublin. 

While applications to demonstrate a toy with Patrick Kielty and participation in the county parade will close on Wednesday October 1. 

The auditions for toy demonstrators will take place in Dublin, Cork and Galway. 

Applications to be a performer or a toy demonstrator can be made here, The Late Late Toy Show application 2025. 

The Late Late Toy Show reached 1.6 million Irish homes in 2024, with a record 622,000 streams in 139 countries, with the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal raising €4.9 million that year. 

RTÉ have yet to confirm the official air date for the 2025 Late Late Toy Show. 

The Late Late Show can be watched on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from Friday, September 12 at 9:35 pm.