The Big Yin Meets the Vacuous Grin: The Late Late Show-Friday 22nd October 2021

This week's show offers a potential comedy and misery slot rolled into one, as the great Billy Connolly features as the headline guest. We can but trust in the Big Yin to head off Mr. Fun's attempts to lift the spirits of the nation.

"One of the greatest and most influential stand-up comedians of all time, Scottish star Billy Connolly will join Ryan Tubridy from Florida as he reflects on his stellar 50 years in comedy."

In an unusual move, RTE plugs one of its own shows-imagine! Davy Fitz, who is seemingly making it his mission to manage every county on the island, instahun Anna Geary, and Donncha O'Callaghan will all be selling their wares.

"Ireland's Fittest Family coaches Anna Geary, Davy Fitzgerald, Derval O'Rourke and Donncha O’Callaghan will be talking about the return of the hit series on October 31 and explain how their on-screen rivalry has filtered into real life."

There she is there, now.

Meh.

"Actor Robert Sheehan, star of Love/Hate, The Umbrella Academy, Misfits and The Mortal Instruments, will be on the show to talk about growing up in Portlaoise, becoming an author despite nearly failing English in the Leaving Certificate and why he'll never lose his midlands accent."

Must have another book out.

"Author John Boyne will talk about being one of the most prolific and successful Irish authors in recent years.

From The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas to The Heart's Invisible Furies and The Echo Chamber, he’ll reveal the stories behind some of his most successful books and what inspires him to keep writing best-selling novels."

More encyclopedic knowledge of ladies football will feature here, no doubt. More likely he'll hone in on something downbeat.

"One of the stars of the All-Ireland winning Meath ladies football team Vikki Wall will share her favourite photos from the GAA year from the 2021 edition of the popular book Season of Sundays."

Music by Tolu Makay and Malaki, apparently.

I wonder if any of the chosen hundred are frontline workers-ISTR Mr. Cancer promising us they would be.

"The show will welcome 100 audience members on Friday night. While operating at half its capacity, it will be the largest studio audience for the show since before Covid restrictions were introduced in March 2020."

Enjoy.