Family comes first on this year's highly anticipated Late Late Show Country Special, which is broadcast this Friday night on RTÉ One.
On a night that promises many unique performances, the show will kick off with the biggest opening number yet, featuring Daniel O’Donnell, Nathan Carter, Cliona Hagan, Mike Denver, Michael English, Robert Mizzell, Derek Ryan and Trudi Lalor - and 100 jivers from around the country.
Ryan Tubridy will host a 'Circle of Friends', sharing family tales and hearing some of the country stars' favourite songs.
Guest performers include Robert Mizzell and his dad Richard, who will fly in from Louisiana; Susan McCann and her 13-year-old granddaughter Sinead; Cliona Hagan and her sister Nicole, as well as Jimmy Buckley and his daughter Claudia.
Ryan will also chat to the gentle giant of country Mick Flavin and his family about his 20 year road to success, overcoming alcohol addiction and having two sons who were born deaf and will never hear their father sing.
Last month the Late Late Show team and the expert panel of Margo and Nathan Carter hit the road to audition hopefuls in the Search for a Country Star competition.
Acts from up and down the country competed, and we’ll meet the lucky winner on Friday, as well as see them perform a contemporary country hit with Nathan.
Derek Ryan, Mick Flavin, Mike Denver, Dominic Kirwan, Margo, Louise Morrissey and Mary Duff deliver a tribute to the legendary Hank Williams, including tracks such as Hey Good Looking and I Saw the Light.
There'll also be a roll-out of the Wagon Wheel of Fortune, with team captains Fred Cooke and Anna Geary leading Michael English, Trudi Lalor and audience super fans in a battle to win the trophy.
Ryan will also catch up with the legendary Daniel O’Donnell - but will the dynamic duo take to the stage to perform King of the Road?
The Late Late Show Country Special, 9.35pm Friday, RTÉ One
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