After weeks of silence following the announcement of his split from Cat Deeley, Patrick Kielty finally returned to the airwaves.
The comedian and broadcaster, who has been keeping a low profile since their separation, made his comeback on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday, and he couldn’t resist cracking a few jokes along the way.
A Marriage That Reached Its End
Patrick, 54, and Cat, 48, shocked fans last month when they revealed they were ending their 12-year marriage.
The pair, who share two sons, Milo (7) and James (5), were quick to emphasize that no third party was involved in their decision to part ways.
Still, the breakup has stirred up deep emotions, especially among Patrick’s family, who remain upset over Cat’s absence at his mother Mary’s funeral earlier this year—something they believe marked the true breaking point of the marriage.
Cracking Jokes on His Return
True to form, Patrick didn’t return to radio with a heavy heart but with his trademark humor.
He teased the idea that he had applied for the role of Match of the Day host, only to be “rejected” in a playful fake letter from BBC boss Tim Davie.
“It takes a village to make this show sound so average,” Patrick joked, before mock-reading the “rejection letter” over the iconic football theme tune.
It was a clear sign he’s leaning on humor as a way to navigate this new chapter of his life.
Family Tensions Run Deep
Behind the light-hearted banter, though, lies a family still hurting.
Patrick’s relatives have spoken openly about their disappointment over Cat missing Mary Kielty’s funeral in March.
One family member told the Daily Mail that in Northern Ireland, funerals carry deep cultural and emotional significance, and Cat’s absence was felt not just by Patrick but by the entire community.
“For something so momentous, you’d expect a wife to be there, no matter what,” the source said.
Patrick himself looked heartbroken as he carried his mother’s coffin through Dundrum, surrounded by friends and neighbors.
The village, home to just 1,500 people, turned out in force to pay their respects, but Cat’s absence became the unspoken symbol of a marriage unraveling.
A Community That Hasn’t Forgotten
Locals in Dundrum have echoed the family’s sentiment, saying Cat’s decision to remain in London—where she presented This Morning on the same day—only cemented the belief that the relationship was over.
“In our community, showing up matters,” one longtime friend said. “We were all there, but not his wife.
That told everyone everything they needed to know.”
Cat Seen Abroad After the Split
Meanwhile, Cat has been spotted abroad since the couple announced their separation.
She was photographed in the Spanish town of Sitges, dining with her longtime friend and celebrity hairdresser Ben Skervin.
Wearing a halter neck dress and golden sandals, the TV presenter appeared subdued during the seaside meal, reportedly choosing lobster as her dish.
Those who saw her said she seemed downcast but comforted by her companion’s presence.
Ben, who has worked with stars like Madonna, Hugh Jackman, and the Spice Girls, later shared snapshots from his trip on Instagram—receiving supportive comments from Cat herself.
Two Lives Moving in Different Directions
While Patrick has sought refuge at his home in County Down, surrounded by family and childhood friends, Cat has leaned on her circle abroad to help her through this difficult chapter.
What unites them is the clear desire to put their children first, but beyond that, their paths already appear to be diverging.
For Patrick, the support of Dundrum remains strong, while for Cat, a quieter retreat in Spain gave her some space to breathe.
What Comes Next?
Patrick’s return to radio suggests he’s ready to step back into public life, albeit cautiously.
Cat, meanwhile, seems to be keeping her distance from the limelight, focusing instead on personal support networks.
Though their split stunned many, it’s now clear to those closest to them that the cracks had been showing for some time.
For both, the next chapter will be about rebuilding separately—and, above all else, making sure their two young sons feel supported.
