RTE Late Late Show viewers gobsmacked after Graham Norton drops unexpected Daniel O'Donnell bombshell

Late Late Show viewers were left stunned when guest, Graham Norton, told host Patrick Kielty how Irish country music star, Daniel O'Donnell, pulled out of appearing on his chat show in the late 1990s.

Norton, 61, fresh off the plane from New York, was Kielty's first guest on Friday night and he didn't disappoint.

The world famous chat show host was promoting his latest novel 'Frankie' which was released this year.

READ MORE - ITV faces huge I'm A Celebrity backlash from viewers before first show even airs

READ MORE - Jim Carrey tragically loses his sister five years after the death of their brother

Kielty spoke at length to Norton about the new book and complimented Norton on how well he writes "sex scenes".

"I think you nailed it, but I probably shouldn't really say that," joked Kielty.

Kielty lauded Norton for his successful chat shows down the years but asked if there was ever anyone who evaded his grasp.

"Well, I think it was the second season of So Graham Norton on Channel 4. It was a different time. We were doing a lot of risky stuff back then - it was all a bit fun. We sent invites out to so many people and one day we thought, let's try Daniel O'Donnell.

"Amazingly, Daniel said yes - we couldn't believe it. It went into all of the television schedules and everything but I think it was the Friday before Daniel was supposed to come on when I think either Daniel himself or someone from his camp tuned in and watched the show - all of a sudden Daniel was busy and didn't come on the show," laughed Norton.

"You've got to love Graham Norton. Always a great guest," wrote one viewer on X, formerly Twitter.

"Brilliant line up tonight, Graham Norton is a legend in his own right, Brendan O'Carroll, and Adam Clayton and to top it all Paul Mescal!!! Friday nights don't get much better than this!!," said another.

"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," said another viewer.

Also appearing on The Late Late Show on Friday was Editor-in-Chief of Glamour magazine, Samantha Barry; Adam Clayton from U2; comedian, Brendan O'Carroll and Gladiator II star, Paul Mescal.

Sign up to the Irish Mirror'sdaily newsletter hereand get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.