The Late Late Show season 49

The 49th season of The Late Late Show, the world's longest-running[1] chat show, began on 3 September 2010 and concluded on 27 May 2011. Ryan Tubridy's second season as host, it aired on RTÉ One each Friday evening from 21:30. Viewing figures hit a 12-year high during this season.[2]

The first guest of the season was former British prime minister Tony Blair. The live interview occurred the night before a book signing at Eason's which attracted international attention when Blair was pelted with shoes and eggs and successfully evaded an attempted citizen's arrest on charges of war crimes.[3][4][5][6][7]

Other guests this season included Bob Geldof, Philip Nitschke, Gordon Brown, Eamon Gilmore (before he became Tánaiste), Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Giovanni Trapattoni, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Brendan O'Carroll, Michael Parkinson, Maureen O'Hara, Rhys Ifans and Howard Marks. Golfers Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy were interviewed in separate episodes (in September and in March), as were Ireland football forwards Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle (in December with wife Claudine and in April). First Irish interviews were granted by Neil Diamond and Kate and Gerry McCann. Musical guests this season included Clannad, Lighthouse Family, Villagers, Suede, Thin Lizzy, Elbow, Ronnie Wood, Republic of Loose, Bell X1, Mary Black, The Script, Tom Jones, Two Door Cinema Club and Imelda May.

The season's conclusion coincided with a tumultuous week in the history of the Irish state, with the death of former Taoiseach Dr. Garret FitzGerald occurring between the state visits of Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama. John Bowman and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, were on hand to offer advice to viewers of The Late Late Show on these matters.

Tony Blair interview

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Tony Blair, who was pelted with shoes and eggs by angry civilians and subjected to an attempted citizen's arrest as he attempted to sign copies of his book A Journey after his appearance on The Late Late Show

Former British prime minister Tony Blair was the first guest of the season. It was Blair's first live television interview since the publication of his memoirs, A Journey (Pat Kenny obtained the first radio interview for Today with Pat Kenny but this was broadcast after the televised interview).[8] Blair is believed to have taken this decision as he had hoped it would divert attention away from the more negative aspects of his foreign policy as UK prime minister, i.e. Afghanistan and Iraq.[9] Tubridy spent an entire week studying Blair in preparation for the interview,[8] and sought advice from Jon Snow of the UK's Channel 4 on which manner he ought to adopt in dealing with Blair.[9][10] Snow vowed that anything interesting obtained during the interview would be broadcast on Channel 4 News.[10] Blair wore a tie, though initially seemed reluctant to do so.[11] Blair arrived to the sounds of dozens of protesters who had gathered outside the TV studio.[9] 10 minutes were spent discussing Blair's role in the Northern Ireland peace process.[11] Then the conversation turned to Blair's part in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq.[11] Tubridy asked Blair if he was a war criminal; however, Blair denied his belief in such a thing.[11] He also denied having "blood on his hands" and looked generally quite annoyed at such questions.[9] Blair stated his lack of desire to take decisions "based on [the wants of] those that [sic] shout most".[9] He also stated that military action against Iran should not be ruled out.[12] Blair was later photographed amusing himself in the company of Jedward, also guests on the same episode.[9][13] Other guests that night included Donncha O'Callaghan and Imelda May.[14]

Second episode

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Willie O'Dea, who resigned as Minister for Defence in some controversy, announced during his appearance on the second show of the season that he would be standing for re-election.[15] He maintained his seat, as his party Fianna Fáil collapsed around him.

Fifth episode

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Rhys Ifans and Howard Marks appeared on The Late Late Show on 1 October 2010 to discuss Mr. Nice, the British independent film in which Ifans portrayed Marks. During the interview Ifans was playful with host Ryan Tubridy, at one point referring to him as a "dainty little bugger" in reference to his cross-legged manner. Netizens on boards.ie to this day refer to Tubridy as "DLB" in tribute to this incident.[16]

The incident followed on from Ifans's playful request to buy Tubridy a drink. Tubridy said, "Uh absolutely" then tried to ask Ifans about his latest film. Ifans said, "It's called Neverland and uh, it's a prequel to Peter Pan. Yeah? OK? Are you familiar with that?" "I sure am" said Tubridy. "Because you've got very Peter Panny feet" Ifans continued. Tubridy thanked him for the compliment then Ifans smiled and said "Dainty little bugger" to laughter from the studio audience.[17]

Eighth episode

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John Hume, "Ireland's Greatest" (according to a poll which concluded during the eighth episode of the season)

On the episode shown on 22 October 2010, the winner of the controversial poll was revealed to be John Hume. Historians noted the heavy emphasis on modern figures.[18]

Fifteenth episode

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Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown blamed Irish banking system regulation failures for the country's economic crisis during an interview on the show on 10 December 2010.[19]

Special editions

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The season's edition of The Late Late Toy Show, broadcast on 26 November 2010, received a 72 per cent audience share and the highest number of viewers in 16 years.[20] 90 per cent of the target audience watched the show.[21]

The 2011 Eurosong Final was held on The Late Late Show on 11 February. Reported as one possible act in advance were Jedward.[22] The five acts were named on 28 January 2011 as Don Mescall, Jedward, The Vard Sisters, Nikki Kavanagh and a then yet-to-be-named mystery act.[23] The mystery act was later named as BLING.[24] Jedward were announced as the winning act with their song "Lipstick" representing Ireland at Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf.[citation needed]

Episode list

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No.Original air dateGuest(s)Musical/entertainment guest(s)
13 September 2010 (2010-09-03)[25]Tony BlairJedward
210 September 2010 (2010-09-10)[26]The ScriptThe Script
317 September 2010 (2010-09-17)[27]Mícheál Ó MuircheartaighN/A
424 September 2010 (2010-09-24)[28]Tim RobbinsThe Rogues Gallery Band
51 October 2010 (2010-10-01)[29][30][31]Giovanni TrapattoniO Emperor
68 October 2010 (2010-10-08)[32]Una Healy and Declan NerneyUna Healy and Declan Nerney
715 October 2010 (2010-10-15)[33]Hector Ó hEochagáinSingin' Bernie Walsh
822 October 2010 (2010-10-22)[34]Nigella LawsonRonnie Wood
929 October 2010 (2010-10-29)[35]Tom JonesTom Jones
105 November 2010 (2010-11-05)[36]Michael ParkinsonN/A
1112 November 2010 (2010-11-12)[37]Dawn FrenchTwo Door Cinema Club
1219 November 2010 (2010-11-19)[38]Dara Ó BriainShayne Ward
1326 November 2010 (2010-11-26)Various childrenMcFly, Joe McElderry, The Strypes
The Late Late Toy Show; television debut of The Strypes
143 December 2010 (2010-12-03)[39]Jack BlackWestlife
1510 December 2010 (2010-12-10)[40]Take ThatRobbie Williams
1617 December 2010 (2010-12-17)[41][42]Mary ByrneThe Rubberbandits
1724 December 2010 (2010-12-24)[43]Robbie and Claudine KeaneJimmy MacCarthy
187 January 2011 (2011-01-07)[44]Brian DennehyJulian Lloyd Webber
1914 January 2011 (2011-01-14)[45]Kathryn Thomas and the five Operation Transformation leadersThe Coronas
2021 January 2011 (2011-01-21)[46]Discussion on the week's political upheaval that would later lead to the collapse of the government)Clannad
2128 January 2011 (2011-01-28)Bob GeldofBob Geldof
224 February 2011 (2011-02-04)[47]Maura Tierney and Ardal O'HanlonMary Coughlan
2311 February 2011 (2011-02-11)N/AFive musical acts
Eurosong special[23]
2418 February 2011 (2011-02-18)Thelma MadineEllie Goulding
2525 February 2011 (2011-02-25)Maureen O'HaraWonderland
264 March 2011 (2011-03-04)Cast of The CommitmentsElbow
2711 March 2011 (2011-03-11)Phil Lynott (in the year of her son's 25th anniversary)Thin Lizzy
2818 March 2011 (2011-03-18)Rory McIlroyThe JD Set
2925 March 2011 (2011-03-25)Ireland cricket teamBuddy Greco
301 April 2011 (2011-04-01)Eamonn Holmes and wife Ruth LangsfordVillagers
318 April 2011 (2011-04-08)Charlie BirdJessie J
3215 April 2011 (2011-04-15)Kevin Doyle, SheamusJosh Groban
3322 April 2011 (2011-04-22)John Healy (The Restaurant)Adrian Edmondson
3429 April 2011 (2011-04-29)JedwardSuede
356 May 2011 (2011-05-06)Seán Gallagher (on why he wants to run for President), Keith and Lisa Duffy (on their work with Irish Autism Action)Crystal Swing
3613 May 2011 (2011-05-13)Christian LouboutinMary Black
3720 May 2011 (2011-05-20)John Bowman (on the life of Dr. Garret FitzGerald)Andrea Corr
3827 May 2011 (2011-05-27)Taoiseach Enda Kenny (on the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama)Il Divo and Bell X1 with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Neil Diamond's first ever Irish interview

References

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  1. ^ "Dima performs at The Late Late Show". Eurovision. 31 May 2008. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Late Late figures hit 12-year high". RTÉ. 7 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  3. ^ McHale, Michael (3 September 2010). "Protesters aim to 'arrest' Blair on weekend visit". Irish Independent. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  4. ^ "Anti-war protests to greet Tony Blair at book signing". Irish Examiner. 4 September 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
  5. ^ McDonald, Henry (4 September 2010). "Tony Blair pelted with eggs and shoes at book signing". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
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  7. ^ "Blair pelted with eggs in Dublin". Aljazeera. 4 September 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
  8. ^ a b Finn, Melanie (4 September 2010). "Pat beats rival Ryan with first Blair interview". Evening Herald. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
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  10. ^ a b Finn, Melanie (3 September 2010). "Tubridy gets Blair advice from Snow". Evening Herald. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
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  13. ^ "Blair finds his WMDs: That's Weapons of Music Destruction!". News of the World. 4 September 2010.
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  15. ^ "O'Dea says he will stand for re-election". RTÉ. 11 September 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2010.
  16. ^ "The Late Late Show: April 5th 2013. Starring Tom Cruise! #550 - 23:08". 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015.
  17. ^ "Marks and Ifans: Mr. Nice Interview (15:00-15:40)". RTÉ. 1 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015.
  18. ^ "Hume wins 'Ireland's greatest' award". The Irish Times. 23 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
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  22. ^ "Jedward want a shot at Eurovision". The Belfast Telegraph. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2010.
  23. ^ a b "Eurovision hopefuls are announced". RTÉ. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
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  26. ^ "Chart toppers among Late Late guests". RTÉ. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  27. ^ "Ó Muircheartaigh is Late Late guest". RTÉ. 17 September 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  28. ^ "Oscar winner among Late Late guests". RTÉ. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
  29. ^ "Football manager set for Late Late". RTÉ. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  30. ^ "Trapattoni to appear on 'The Late Late Show'". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  31. ^ "Sky's split screen has Drogba controlling Harrington's chip". The Irish Times. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
  32. ^ "The Saturdays star set for Late Late Show". RTÉ. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  33. ^ "Hector to join Tubridy on Late Late Show". RTÉ. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  34. ^ "Rolling Stone joins Tubridy on Late Late". RTÉ. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  35. ^ "Tom Jones set for The Late Late Show". RTÉ. 29 October 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2010.
  36. ^ "Parkinson set for The Late Late Show". RTÉ. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  37. ^ "Dawn French set for The Late Late Show". RTÉ. 12 November 2010. Retrieved 12 November 2010.
  38. ^ "O Briain among Late Late guests". RTÉ. 19 November 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
  39. ^ "D'Unbelievables to reunite on Late Late". RTÉ. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 3 December 2010.
  40. ^ "Take That set for Late Late Show tonight". RTÉ. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  41. ^ "Mary Byrne is Late Late Show guest". RTÉ. 15 December 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  42. ^ "Matt Cardle secures the Irish No 1". RTÉ. 17 December 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2010.
  43. ^ "Robbie Keane and Dara O Briain among stars on Late Late Show double helping". Joe. 24 December 2010. Retrieved 24 December 2010.
  44. ^ "Acting legend set for The Late Late Show". RTÉ. 7 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
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  46. ^ "Guests revealed for The Late Late Show". RTÉ. 21 January 2011. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  47. ^ "ER star among Late Late Show guests". RTÉ. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
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