Late Late Show: Hilarious Blunder Leaves Patrick Kielty Red-Faced Seconds Before Welcoming Daniel O’Donnell
It was a night of laughter, music, and a few unexpected surprises on The Late Late Show, when host Patrick Kielty found himself blushing — and the audience roaring with laughter — just moments before welcoming the beloved Irish icon Daniel O’Donnell to the stage.
The show kicked off with a playful Halloween spooktacular, complete with eerie lights, props, and plenty of good-natured mischief. As Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” played, Kielty emerged dramatically from a coffin, flashing a pair of vampire fangs to set the mood. But within seconds, a slip of the tongue turned the spooky intro into an unplanned comedy moment.
“Good evening and welcome to our Christmas — sorry, I mean Halloween — special,” Kielty announced, before quickly burying his face in his hands as the audience burst into laughter. The presenter, known for his quick wit, took it in stride, grinning as he tried to regain composure. “Ah well,” he joked, “we’re only two months early!”
The lighthearted chaos continued when Kielty teased that he’d be joined by a member of the ‘Royle’ family, before pulling out a Daniel O’Donnell mask and impersonating the singer with tongue firmly in cheek. Just as the audience howled with laughter, the real Daniel O’Donnell appeared behind him — and the look on his face was priceless.
Feigning shock, Kielty pretended to be terrified as O’Donnell handed him a card and instructed him to “introduce me properly.” Playing along, Kielty read aloud: “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the biggest star and best singer we have ever had on this show.” The crowd erupted once again as Daniel smiled and took his seat beside him, proving once more that he can take a joke as well as he delivers one.
The segment quickly turned into one of the most entertaining moments of the season, blending laughter with a touch of sentiment. O’Donnell, ever the gentleman, reflected on his long and storied career, sharing funny memories from life on the road and connecting warmly with Kielty and the audience. His humor, humility, and good nature were on full display — qualities that have made him one of Ireland’s most enduring performers.
In a quieter moment, Daniel took time to pay tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, who passed away in July. “We had a lovely night the night Sinéad and I appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” he recalled softly. “I remember us going into a big room here [at RTÉ] after the show, and we danced together — she was a terrific artist. She was such a generous and kind person, especially to the people of Bray. She is missed by so many, and her passing was a huge loss to her family.”
As the show went on, Daniel joined Patrick for a cheerful rendition of “I Just Want to Dance With You,” a lighthearted duet that had the audience clapping along and laughing once again — especially when Kielty donned a wig to match Daniel’s style. It was the perfect way to end a night that balanced comedy, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion.
By the time the cameras stopped rolling, it was clear that both men had won the audience over — Kielty with his playful charm and Daniel O’Donnell with his trademark grace and warmth. Even a red face couldn’t spoil the fun; if anything, it made the night even more memorable.
In the end, the Late Late Show’s Halloween special wasn’t just about laughter or fright — it was about friendship, music, and the joy of being able to laugh at life’s little slip-ups. And with Daniel O’Donnell in the room, that joy came easily, filling the studio with the same warmth and kindness that have defined his career for decades.