RTE Late Late Show Viewers Gobsmacked After Graham Norton Drops Unexpected Daniel O’Donnell Bombshell
It was a night to remember on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, as iconic Cork-born presenter Graham Norton swapped his own host’s chair for the guest sofa alongside new host Patrick Kielty. While the show was already billed as a star-studded evening, it was Norton’s surprise revelation about Daniel O’Donnell that left viewers stunned.
From the moment Norton walked on stage, the energy in the studio lifted. Known internationally for his witty BBC chat show and sharp humor, he was warmly welcomed back to Irish television. “It’s odd to be on this side of the desk,” Norton quipped, gesturing toward Kielty. “But I have to say, it’s much easier being asked the questions than asking them.”
The conversation flowed effortlessly, ranging from Norton’s career highlights to his fondness for Ireland’s storytelling culture. But midway through the interview, he stunned both Kielty and the audience by dropping what has now been dubbed the “Daniel O’Donnell bombshell.”
“I’ll tell you something I’ve never said before,” Norton began, leaning forward with a grin. “I once nearly ended up on stage with Daniel O’Donnell — and not just as a presenter. I was asked if I’d sing with him.”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, with Kielty quickly pressing for details. Norton revealed that during a charity event years ago, organizers had approached him with the idea of joining O’Donnell for a lighthearted duet. “Now, you can imagine me trying to keep up with Daniel’s voice,” Norton said. “Thankfully, I was saved at the last minute by someone with actual talent stepping in.”
The revelation, though shared with Norton’s trademark humor, struck a chord with viewers. Social media lit up almost instantly, with fans joking about the missed opportunity. “Can you imagine Graham and Daniel singing ‘Rivers of Babylon’ together?” one user posted. Another wrote, “Forget the Eurovision — Graham and Daniel should have been Ireland’s dream duo!”
Norton also took a moment to praise O’Donnell’s enduring career. “The thing about Daniel is that he’s genuine,” he said. “He’s never pretended to be anything other than what he is, and that’s why people love him. There’s a lesson in that for everyone in this business.”
Patrick Kielty, clearly enjoying the banter, added: “Well Graham, maybe Daniel’s watching tonight and thinking, ‘It’s not too late!’” The studio erupted in laughter once again, with fans online calling for a “Graham and Daniel duet” to finally happen.
Beyond the humor, Norton’s comments reminded audiences of the special place Daniel O’Donnell holds in Irish culture. For decades, the Donegal crooner has not only topped charts but also built a reputation as one of the most approachable and kind-hearted stars in the industry. That even an international figure like Graham Norton holds him in such esteem underlines O’Donnell’s cross-generational appeal.
The episode highlighted Patrick Kielty’s growing comfort as the new host of The Late Late Show, seamlessly mixing laughter, warmth, and a bit of surprise. By the end of the night, viewers weren’t just talking about Norton’s career — they were buzzing about the “what if” moment that nearly saw him share a stage with one of Ireland’s most beloved singers.
As one fan summed it up online: “Only in Ireland could you have Graham Norton casually reveal he almost sang with Daniel O’Donnell — and it feels completely believable.”
For RTÉ viewers, it was a night of laughter, nostalgia, and a reminder that when legends share stories, the surprises are often the sweetest part.