Ballymena’s Liam Neeson joins Late Late Show return to discuss powerful Tuam film
Liam Neeson has opened up about his 'rage' at the Catholic scandal that inspired the new film 'The Lost Children of Tuam' (Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Thursday 17 September 2026
Ballymena actor Liam Neeson will join Patrick Kielty as The Late Late Show returns on Friday night, discussing a new film about historian Catherine Corless and her campaign to uncover the truth about the children of Tuam.
The Hollywood star will appear alongside Corless on the opening programme of the new season, airing on Friday 18 September at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Neeson is one of the producers of The Lost Children of Tuam, which brings Corless’s investigation into the former mother and baby home in County Galway to the screen. He will explain why he felt her story needed to be heard, while Corless will discuss why the fight for the truth continues.
The story behind Neeson’s new film
Directed by Frank Berry and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, The Lost Children of Tuam stars Monica Dolan as Corless, with Andrew Bennett and Derry Girls actor Ian McElhinney also among the cast.
The drama follows the historian’s efforts to establish what happened to children who died at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home, and the campaign for truth and recognition for victims and survivors.
It is based on journalist Dan Barry’s 2017 New York Times article of the same name. Neeson secured the rights to the article and helped bring the project to the screen as a producer.
The film is scheduled for release in Irish cinemas on 25 September, followed by its UK release on 9 October, placing Friday’s interview just ahead of its arrival in cinemas.
Siobhán McSweeney and Caitríona Balfe join the line-up
Patrick Kielty, host of the RTÉ The Late Late Show. (Photo: Andres Poveda/apphoto.ie)
Kielty’s opening-night guests also include Siobhán McSweeney, who will discuss hosting The Traitors Ireland and her approach to presiding over the castle as Lady Muck.
Some of this year’s banished and murdered contestants will join her in the studio ahead of next week’s final. McSweeney will also reflect on celebrating her first BAFTA win.
Caitríona Balfe will discuss playing a part in a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, including working with co-stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
The Monaghan actress will also talk about saying goodbye to Outlander after eight seasons and why making Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast remains one of her proudest experiences.
Mayo champions and live music from The Script
Members of Mayo’s All-Ireland-winning senior men’s football team will appear alongside manager Andy Moran to reflect on their victory and the reaction it has brought.
Kobe McDonald will join the programme after returning from Australia, where he has been attracting attention in Australian Rules football. Aidan O’Shea will discuss what winning the Sam Maguire Cup means after more than 15 years pursuing it.
The Script will provide live music and join Kielty for a chat following the release of The User’s Guide To Being Human. Danny O’Donoghue will discuss married life, remembering Mark Sheehan through music and the band’s forthcoming tour.
When to watch the new season
The programme will also include a Toy Show announcement, although details have not been revealed in advance.
Viewers can watch Neeson, Corless and the rest of the opening-night guests on The Late Late Show this Friday, 18 September, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
