Northern Irish comedian Patrick Kielty has become the forerunner for the race to become the next host of the Late Late Show.
The popular television and radio presenter became the favourite last week for the role after previous market leaders Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney ruled themselves out of the running.
The buzz surrounding Kielty to step into the role has been so large that Paddy Power has suspended betting on who will become the next host following a string of bets on Patrick Kielty, but what is Kielty’s background, has he had a chat show before, and who is his famous wife?
READ MORE: Paddy Power suspends Late Late Show betting after 'explosion' of bets on Patrick Kielty
Background
Born on January 31, 1971, in, Down, Northern Ireland, Kielty is known for being a comedian, television and radio presenter, and actor.
He grew up in the small town of Dundrum in Down, where he attended St. Colmcille's Primary School.
Kielty’s career in show business began when he was a student at Queen's University in Belfast, where he started performing stand-up comedy, quickly making a name for himself on the Irish comedy scene.
Has Kielty hosted a show before?
Kielty started to get his break on television in the mid-90s when he began appearing on Irish and UK shows.
He eventually hosted his own show, Patrick Kielty Almost Live, on BBC One from 1998 to 2003, featuring guests such as Shania Twain, Meat Loaf and Noel Gallagher, the show was a mix of stand-up comedy and celebrity interviews.
He has also co-presented This Morning and was the host of the first series of Channel 4's Stand Up for the Week as well as hosting a chat show for BBC Northern Ireland called Delete, Delete, Delete exploring celebrities' internet history.
Alongside television, the comedian has also had a successful radio career, having shows on various BBC Radio channels.
Marriage to Cat Deeley
The 52-year-old is married to television presenter Cat Deeley, the pair eloped in 2012. The couple have two children together.
Patrick isn't the only famous one in the relationship, with Cat being a highly regarded television presenter who has hosted various shows, including CD:UK, Stars in their Eyes, and Fame Academy, of which Kielty was also formerly a host.
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