Fraser among star guests for this week’s Late Late Show Christmas Special!

“Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!”

The festive season is officially underway as The Late Late Show Christmas Special welcomes a host of major stars — including Hollywood icon Brendan Fraser — for a packed night of entertainment with Patrick Kielty.

Irish golfing champion Shane Lowry leads the line-up after an outstanding year on the course, having helped secure Team Europe’s dramatic Ryder Cup victory and recently thrilling crowds at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Lowry will reflect on his journey from Offaly to global golfing stardom, sharing why returning home with the Claret Jug after his unforgettable 2019 Open win remains one of his most cherished achievements. He’ll also reveal how he intends to enjoy some well-earned downtime this Christmas.

Beloved dancer and presenter Oti Mabuse will join Patrick in studio to discuss her new role as head judge on Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars in 2026. She’ll speak about what excites her most, her early impressions of her fellow judges and the qualities she’ll be looking for in this year’s competitors. She’ll appear alongside Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh, who joined the glittering DWTS line-up earlier this week and will share her feelings about taking on the challenge.

Viewers can also expect an exclusive reveal, as three more dancers will be unveiled live on-air.

One of the night’s most anticipated conversations comes from Brendan Fraser, who will sit down with Patrick to talk about his latest role in the acclaimed film Rental Family.

Fraser 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 development. He’ll chat about what some fans have dubbed the “Brenaissance” and open up about his proud Irish roots.

Stand-up favourite Jason Byrne is set to bring plenty of laughs to the Late Late stage. He’ll talk about the unusual encounters he’s faced on tour, the realities of navigating a mid-life crisis and the surprising fans who follow him on social media. Byrne will also reveal details of a new animation project loosely based on his own life ahead of his brand-new Irish tour in 2026.

Music fans are in for a festive treat with a performance from chart-topping singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, who will deliver his seasonal single It Can’t Be Christmas. He will also discuss rocking the Marquee in Cork next summer, his golfing skills and how the contest for Christmas number one awakened his competitive streak.

Audiences will also enjoy a special Christmas performance from Brooke Scullion, adding even more sparkle to a night packed with seasonal cheer.

The Late Late Show Christmas Special airs on Friday night (12 December) on RTÉ One at 9:35pm, promising “lots more festive fun” for viewers at home!

Also available on RTÉ Player.