The Late Late Show (season 48)

The 48th season of The Late Late Show, the world's longest-running^{[1][2][3][4][5]} chat show, began on 3 September 2010. It airs on RTÉ One each Friday evening from 21:30. It is Ryan Tubridy's second series as host.^[6] Viewing figures hit a 12-year high during the season.^[7]

The season began with a notable interview with 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.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]}

Tony Blair interview

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 TV interview).^[14] 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.^[15] Tubridy spent an entire week studying Blair in preparation for the interview,^[14] and sought advice from Jon Snow of the UK's Channel 4 on which manner he ought to adopt in dealing with Blair.^[15][16] Snow vowed that anything interesting obtained during the interview would be broadcast on Channel 4 News.^[16] Blair wore a tie, though initially seemed reluctant to do so.^[17] Blair arrived to the sounds of dozens of protesters who had gathered outside the TV studio.^[15] 10 minutes were spent discussing Blair's role in the Northern Ireland peace process.^[17] Then the conversation turned to Blair's part in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq.^[17] Tubridy asked Blair if he was a war criminal; however, Blair denied his belief in such a thing.^[17] He also denied having "blood on his hands" and looked generally quite annoyed at such questions.^[15] Blair stated his lack of desire to take decisions "based on [the wants of] those that [sic] shout most".^[15] He also stated that military action against Iran should not be ruled out.^[18] Blair was later photographed hanging around with Jedward who were also guests on the show.^[15][19]

Willie O'Dea

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.^[20]

Ireland's Greatest

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.^[21]

The Late Late Toy Show

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.^[22] 90 per cent of the target audience watched the show.^[23]

Gordon Brown

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.^[24]

2011 Eurovision Song Contest

Five acts are scheduled to appear on The Late Late Show in 2011. One is to be chosen to represent Ireland in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf. Jedward have been reported as one possible act.^[25]

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.^[26] The mystery act was later named as BLING.^[27] Jedward were announced as the winners with their song lipstick, on the 11th of February.

List of episodes

References

External links

• Official site