Trump talk kicks off Friday night’s Late Late Show

The line-up was packed with big Irish names from film, media and entertainment

Donald Trump was the main talking point as Friday night’s Late Late Show kicked off.

First up was BBC News Chief Presenter Caitríona Perry who joined host Patrick Kielty to talk about life in Washington DC and her role in covering all the major US news stories during President Trump’s second administration.

She also reflected on the US-Israel war with Iran, its impact on Trump’s approval rating, and how Taoiseach Micheál Martin fared in the Oval Office on St Patrick’s Day.

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Fresh from winning the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2026 IFTA ceremony actor Ciarán Hinds was live in studio too. Known for his roles in classics such as Belfast, Munich, Road to Perdition and There will be Blood, Hinds is regarded as one of Ireland’s most talented movie stars. As his career continues to go from strength to strength, he chatted about growing up in Belfast, his friendship with Liam Neeson and his latest projects.

For the first time since becoming the presenter of The Late Late Show in September 2023, Patrick interviewed one of his predecessors. Pat Kenny was on the couch to talk about his recent move from daily radio to the weekend slot with Newstalk. He reflected on his decades of experience in broadcasting as he confirmed that at 78 years of age, he has no plans to slow down.Comedian Kevin McGahern dropped by to talk about fronting the newest series of Cheap European Homes with Maggie Molloy and James Kavanagh and life as a father of two. He also recreated his viral opening monologue from the IFTA Awards 2026, complete with his trusty bodhrán.As she prepares to make her return to the airwaves 2FM presenter, new mum Doireann Garrihy chatted about the joys of motherhood since welcoming baby Rosie. She also revealed her plans to bring her hit podcast on the road and why she is excited to get back to work.

Plus, there was music from award-winning singer Freya Ridings who performed her new single “I Have Always Loved You.”

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