Late Late Show reveals Halloween Special line-up

Updated / Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 17:45

Fionnula Flanagan will be among Patrick Kielty's guests on Friday's Late Late Show Halloween Special on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Announcing the line-up for Friday's show, the Late Late said: "Spooky season is officially here and this week's Late Late Show has a spellbinding line-up for its Halloween Special!

"Patrick Kielty will host legendary Irish acting talent, a top comedian and podcaster, and a hauntingly good music act.

"There'll be a spooktacular contemporary musical cover of a Halloween classic; guests will share their Halloween stories; and one of the line-up will be subjected to a very special scare challenge.

"As well as this, one of Ireland's greatest actors, Fionnula Flanagan, will be honoured on Friday night's show.

"Her Hollywood career has spanned over half a century and earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy and critical acclaim with standout roles in The Guard, The Others, Transamerica, and Some Mother's Son. From treading the boards on Broadway to starring in acclaimed TV shows like Lost, Star Trek, and Murder, She Wrote, Fionnula has never been one to stand still for long. After 60 years living in Hollywood, she moved back to her beloved Ireland in 2024. The night will be filled with memories of Fionnula's amazing career on stage and screen.

"Actors Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange Is the New Black) and Clinton Liberty (Normal People, House of the Dragon) will join Patrick to talk about their new RTÉ drama The Galway Bay Murders. They'll chat about filming on the west coast of Ireland, why working with Colm Meaney was a thrill for both of them, and how Halloween is an odd time for actors who've played iconic roles!

"For almost three decades, broadcaster Joe Duffy was Ireland's sounding board in his role as Liveline presenter on RTÉ Radio 1. He'll chat to Patrick about his latest book, which documents the extraordinary Liveline stories that reflect a generation of ups and downs in Irish life.

"Comedian and podcaster Shane Daniel Byrne will discuss heading out on the road with his new show, Baby This Time; starring as Clarence in The Gate Theatre's upcoming production of It's a Wonderful Life despite never having seen the film; and whether giving up a good pensionable job for a life in comedy was a wise move!

"Rounding out Friday's Late Late Show line-up is Joe McGucken, star of RTÉ KIDS' supernatural comedy drama The Unreal and host of the hit podcast Ramble.

"Music on the night will come from Toshín, known for her powerhouse vocals and spine-tingling stage presence."

The Late Late Show, Fridays, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 9:35pm

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