The Late Late Show season 51

However, he did not complete the entire season, and former host Pat Kenny made an unexpected return as presenter on 1 February 2013, announced RTÉ on 30 January 2013.

[4] Katie Taylor, John Joe Nevin, Paddy Barnes, and Michael Conlan were all present along with RTÉ Sport's commentator Jimmy Magee.

[13] During his appearance on The Late Late Show he claimed to be "at home" in Ireland and put on a mock Irish accent for the easily amused host, who revealed that he had unearthed family links to the Cruises—links which must not be taken at face value as the host has previously claimed to be connected to everyone from Éamon de Valera to King John and Edward III.

His former Fair City co-star and screen wife Jean Costello was sitting in the audience and was reported to be "disgusted" that she was snubbed.

Guests included West End and Broadway star Colm Wilkinson, Nile Rodgers of Chic and Mark Owen of Take That.

[22] As showtime approached there was much talk of "reasonably priced toys" and the host's choice of jumper—"There won't be any penguins or snowmen or figures on the jumper.

[24][25] The children appearing included eight Irish dancers known as Damhsa Juniors and two kids from Naas performing English pop singer's Jessie J's song "Price Tag", with a group singing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" as the show finale.

[26][27] Other features to look forward to included a special appearance by The X Factor finalists Union J, Aston and Kayleigh from RTÉ documentary Apartment Kids championing toys for small spaces, a remote-controlled James Bond car and a PlayStation game written by J. K.

[28] The highlight moment of the show happened when young Alex Meehan on a peddle powered tractor came out before spontaneously speaking Irish to Ryan Tubridy.