Patrick Kielty said he cannot wait to get started "on one of the greatest jobs on television" after he was confirmed as the next presenter of RTÉ's The Late Late Show.
Kielty, from Dundrum in Co Down, becomes the fourth main presenter of the show for its 61st season next September.
He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show.
"To follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan as the next custodian is a real honour and I can’t thank RTÉ enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show.
"I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world. I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television."
In a statement, RTÉ's Director of Content Jim Jennings said: "Patrick Kielty is undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest comedians, a fantastic presenter with a depth of experience, and a range of talents that will bring an exciting new dynamic to the show.
"Patrick's personality and passion is sure to connect with audiences and I look forward to it bursting on to screens in September.
"We have very definite ideas for the show already in the works and we’ll be busy behind the scenes shaping the series for launch. We’ll be back in August to tell you all about it".
In March, Ryan Tubridy announced that he would step down from the show at the end of the season.
Speaking about his decision to leave the longest-running live TV chat show in the world, Tubridy said: "It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is The Late Late Show for the last 14 years."
Tubridy will present his final Late Late on Friday 26 May on RTÉ One. He will continue to present his radio show on weekday mornings from 9.00am - 10.00am on RTÉ Radio 1.
There had been much speculation about who the next presenter would be. Miriam O'Callaghan, Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney ruled themselves out in recent months.
Kielty began his stand-up career as host of Northern Ireland's first comedy club The Empire Laughs Back in Belfast.
Since then, he has built a career across TV and radio, and live stand-up tours.
His BAFTA nominated My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me saw him named UK documentary host of the year at the 2018 Grierson Awards, while his most recent film, Patrick Kielty:100 Years of Union also won an RTS award.
Later this year sees the release of his first feature film, Ballywalter, where he stars alongside IFTA nominated Seana Kerslake.
