Golfer Shane Lowry and new Dancing with the Stars head judge Oti Mabuse will be among Patrick Kielty's guests on Friday's Late Late Show Christmas Special at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
The Late Late team says: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
"Irish golfing hero Shane Lowry will join host Patrick Kielty for The Late Late Show Christmas Special following a standout year on the course as he helped secure Team Europe's Ryder Cup triumph and recently thrilled fans at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. He'll reflect on his journey from Offaly to the world stage, why bringing the Claret Jug back to Clara after his unforgettable Open victory in 2019 remains one of his proudest memories, and how he plans to spend his well-earned downtime this Christmas.
"Much-loved dancer and presenter Oti Mabuse will be in studio this Friday night to talk about her exciting new role as head judge on Ireland's Dancing with the Stars in 2026. Oti will reveal what she is most looking forward to, her first impressions of fellow judges, and the qualities she'll be seeking from this year's dancers. She'll be joined by Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh, announced earlier this week as part of the glittering DWTS line‑up, who will chat about the challenge ahead. And in a Late Late exclusive, audiences will be treated to a live surprise as three more dancers are unveiled live on-air, joining Patrick for a chat!
"Hollywood star Brendan Fraser will sit down with Patrick to talk about his latest role in the acclaimed film Rental Family. Brendan will also reflect on his Academy Award-winning performance in The Whale and the much-anticipated revival of The Mummy with a legacy sequel currently in the works. He'll chat about his so-called comeback to Hollywood dubbed the 'Brenaissance' and open up about his proud Irish roots.
"Comedian Jason Byrne will be lighting up the Late Late stage this Friday night. Ahead of his brand-new Irish tour in 2026, Jason will chat to Paddy about the strange encounters he's had on the road, navigating his midlife crisis, and the surprising fans who follow him on social media. Jason will also reveal details about a new animation project loosely based on his own life.
"Chart-topping singer-songwriter Tom Grennan will be in studio to perform his festive hit, It Can't Be Christmas. He'll be chatting to Patrick about rocking the Marquee in Cork next summer, his own golfing prowess, and why the race for the Christmas number one brought out a fiercely competitive streak in him.
"Audiences will also be treated to music from Brooke Scullion as she takes to the Late Late stage with a very special Christmas classic.
"This and lots more festive fun on Friday night's Late Late Show."
The Late Late Show Christmas Special, Friday, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 9:35pm
