Patrick Kielty has opened up about how much it means to be the new host of The Late Late Show, describing it as a "big deal".
The Co Down comedian will make his eagerly awaited debut on the RTÉ show on Friday night.
He takes over the role from former host Ryan Tubridy who stepped down from the role after 14 years.
Ahead of his first show, the funnyman has spoke about the emotion of now hosting the programme, recalling how as a young child growing up during the Troubles, it offered "a window of normality".
Speaking on RTÉ's Sunday with Miriam, Kielty said the show always "meant so much to people up the road" in Northern Ireland.
"The idea of sitting here talking to you about hosting this show, I mean, it's crazy stuff," he said.
"It really is.
Read more:
Patrick Kielty says London will never feel like home and heart remains in Co Down
Patrick Kielty will broadcast BBC radio show from Belfast just hours after Late Late Show
"It's pinch me stuff, you know?
"I think when you grow up on a show that meant so much to people, up the road.
Read more: Patrick Kielty: From Dundrum to the Late Late Show and everything in between
"I think for us and a lot of people and what people had to live through up there to be able to turn that on on a Friday night and for that to be a window of normality, that was kind of the life that we wanted to have.
"So you know, to be able to walk out and host that show, big deal."
This morn on @RTERadio1 I’m chatting to the new Late Late Show host @PatricKielty ahead of his 1st show this coming Friday. Also today, @orlatinsley on getting an Hon Doctorate this week from @ucddublin & @paulflynnchef on his new book. pic.twitter.com/lvQJFwIs1m
— Miriam O'Callaghan (@MiriamOCal) September 10, 2023
Kielty's deal with RTÉ to present The Late Late Show is worth €250,000 (£216,000) for each series.
He revealed the figure amid controversy about substantial undeclared payments that had been made to his predecessor, Mr Tubridy.
