After the surprise announcement of his split from Cat Deeley, Patrick Kielty has finally broken his silence in his first TV appearance since the news.
The 54-year-old comedian and TV host addressed his divorce during the opening of the new series of his RTÉ chat show, The Late Late Show, thanking fans for their “love and support.”
Patrick and Cat, 48, who share two sons, announced in July that their 12-year marriage had ended, insisting in a joint statement that “no other party” was involved.
While Cat has remained largely private since returning to This Morning after her summer break, Patrick chose the platform of his long-running chat show to speak directly to viewers.
A Heartfelt Message to Fans
Standing on stage with his wedding ring noticeably absent, Patrick expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he and his family received over recent months.
“Honestly, it is so nice to be back with you, especially after this summer where I have genuinely been blown away by all of the love and support that you guys have sent my way,” he said.
“One of the greatest joys of hosting this show is that you’re never alone. So to all of you who have been so kind to me and my family these past few months, can I just say a huge go raibh míle maith agat [thank you very much].”
The emotional moment ended with rapturous applause from the studio audience, highlighting just how much viewers connected with his honesty and warmth.
Cat Deeley’s Mysterious Wedding Ring
Meanwhile, Cat Deeley sparked curiosity at a recent event when she was spotted wearing a ring on her wedding finger, weeks after being seen without it.
On the NTA carpet, she embraced her Irish roots in a striking £5,160 emerald green floor-length Oscar de la Renta gown, leaving fans and media speculating about her relationship status.
The couple’s July statement read: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.
We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected.
There will be no further comment.”
Family Tensions Over Funeral Absence
According to sources close to the Kielty family, tensions deepened when Cat did not attend Patrick’s beloved mother Mary’s funeral in March.
Family members reportedly saw this as a definitive sign that the marriage was over, describing her absence as deeply hurtful and confirming that reconciliation was unlikely.
A family member told the Daily Mail: “Whatever rockiness was going on in the marriage, something as momentous as his mother’s funeral, you would make up even temporarily and just put your ‘best face’ on.
Cat obviously knew how close Patrick was to Mary, and she should have come to be by his side.”
Patrick was visibly bereft as he carried his mother’s coffin in his home village, surrounded by close family and friends at the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Cat’s spokesperson explained at the time that she remained at home to be there for their children before and after school during the sad day.
Property and Divorce Concerns
Friends of the couple have expressed concerns that the divorce proceedings may become complicated due to a £5million “doer-upper” house the pair purchased together in 2023.
The 1950s five-bedroom property, which they renovated over the past two years, holds significant sentimental value for both Patrick and Cat, potentially making negotiations more difficult.