RTÉ Late Late Show Viewers Gobsmacked After Graham Norton Drops Unexpected Daniel O’Donnell Bombshell
RTÉ Late Late Show viewers were left stunned on Friday night after world-famous chat show host Graham Norton unexpectedly revealed a decades-old story involving Daniel O’Donnell — one that many fans had never heard before. The revelation, delivered with Norton’s trademark wit and timing, quickly became the most talked-about moment of the evening and sent social media into overdrive.
Norton, now 61, had flown in fresh from New York and was the first guest welcomed by host Patrick Kielty. The celebrated presenter was on the show to promote his latest novel, Frankie, released earlier this year to strong reviews. In typical Late Late fashion, the conversation shifted easily between humor, storytelling, and candid reflection, with Kielty praising Norton’s writing style — including, to his own embarrassment, his ability to craft convincing romantic scenes.
“I think you nailed it,” Kielty teased, laughing. “But I probably shouldn’t really say that.”
Norton took the compliment with good humor before Kielty steered the conversation toward Norton’s long-running success as a talk show host. From BBC One to Channel 4, Norton has spent more than two decades interviewing the biggest names on the planet. But Kielty had a burning question:
Was there ever anyone Graham Norton couldn’t get on his show?
Without missing a beat, Norton launched into a story that took the studio — and viewers — by complete surprise.
“Well, I think it was the second season of So Graham Norton on Channel 4,” he began. “It was a different time. We were doing a lot of risky stuff back then — it was all a bit fun.”
He explained that the show’s team sent out invitations to a wide range of celebrities, including people who might not typically say yes. Then came the shocker.
“One day we thought, let’s try Daniel O’Donnell,” Norton said, smiling as the audience reacted. “Amazingly, Daniel said yes — we couldn’t believe it. It went into all the television schedules and everything.”
But what happened next left fans both amused and speechless.
“I think it was the Friday before Daniel was supposed to come on when either Daniel himself or someone from his camp tuned in and watched the show. And suddenly… Daniel was busy and didn’t come on,” Norton said, laughing.
The Late Late Show crowd erupted. Patrick Kielty doubled over, while viewers at home rushed online to share their disbelief.
“You’ve got to love Graham Norton. Always a great guest,” wrote one viewer on X (formerly Twitter).
Another praised the night’s lineup:
“Brilliant line-up tonight — Graham Norton is a legend in his own right. Brendan O’Carroll, Adam Clayton, Paul Mescal! Friday nights don’t get much better.”
But the Norton–O’Donnell anecdote quickly became the main topic of conversation.
“I can’t believe that story about Daniel O’Donnell not going on the Graham Norton show back in the day — different times, I suppose,” one viewer commented.
The episode featured an impressive roster of guests beyond Norton, including Samantha Barry, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour magazine; Adam Clayton of U2; comedian Brendan O’Carroll; and Irish actor Paul Mescal, fresh from his role in Gladiator II.
Still, the unexpected Daniel O’Donnell bombshell — rooted in 90s television culture, contrasting personalities, and the famously wholesome image of Ireland’s favorite country singer — became the night’s standout moment.
A reminder that on live television, even decades-old stories can capture the nation’s attention all over again.