New Late Late host Patrick Kielty should get ready for plenty of criticism, Pat Kenny says

Hundreds of thousands of viewers will tune in on Friday night for Ryan Tubridy's final Late Late Show.

The broadcaster is stepping down from hosting RTÉ's flagship chat show after 14 years. Comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty will take the helm from September.

President Michael D Higgins and children from previous Toy Shows will feature on Friday night's show, with other stars likely to make surprise appearances.

Pat Kenny, who presented the Late Late Show for 10 years, said new host Kielty should get ready for plenty of criticism.

"Every aspect of everything you do, every slip up you might make" will be criticised, he told Newstalk radio.

He said some outlets have already started to criticise Kielty over environmental sustainability and his decision to remain based in London with his family.

Kenny said outgoing presenter Tubridy will feel a great sense of relief once Friday's show is over.

"I mean I can tell you what Ryan will feel like tomorrow morning. Great relief. When you make a decision like that and then there are weeks in between making the decision public and then having to keep doing the show. And then finally, it is over."