Daniel O’Donnell is among those urging RTÉ not to axe The Late Late Show while noting that he is almost certainly the only person alive to have been interviewed by all five of its hosts.

Patrick Kielty’s tenure as host of The Late Late is ‘up in the air’ as he prepares for the final show of his three-year contract on Friday without having renewed his deal.

Speaking to Extra.ie with his wife Majella this week, Kincasslagh crooner Mr O’Donnell said he hopes the national broadcaster will keep the iconic programme alive in some form, even as its future remains uncertain.

Joanne McNally with host Patrick Kielty during The Late Late Show St Patrick’s Day Special. Pic: Shane O’Neill/Coalesce

‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,’ urged Mr O’Donnell, 63. ‘We need a show like the Late Late. It plays such an important role in this country.’

Majella said the show provided a vital platform for ordinary people to share their stories.

‘There’s nowhere like The Late Late Show where ordinary people can be heard,’ Majella said.

‘We really need a show like that,’ she added.

Daniel O’Donnell is among those urging RTÉ not to axe The Late Late Show. Pic: RTE

The singer confirmed he has sat across from all five presenters – Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, Ryan Tubridy, Gerry’s Ryan’s ‘onenight-only stint’, and Patrick Kielty, a feat unmatched in Irish entertainment.

However, he laughed off any suggestion that he could take over the hot seat.

Patrick Kielty became the host of the Late Late Show in 2023 following Ryan Tubridy’s departure.

While RTÉ have declined to comment on Patrick’s future, and the future of the show in general, they have confirmed that the show’s series finale will take place next month.

‘The last Late Late Show of the season is on 1 May,’ an RTÉ spokesperson said.