Patrick Kielty 'will not turn up to be told what’s on the show and when to do what by a bunch of strangers', said one TV figure. Photograph: Andres Poveda/RTE/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
But for independent producers, the prospect of flagship shows coming on to the open market is good news. “It’s very easy to move,” said one veteran TV figure of the Late Late Show. The programme brand could be used under licence, he added. “Most of these chatshows are recorded. They shoot these shows in the West End in London and in the middle of New York.
Production companies mentioned as contenders include BiggerStage, led by former Virgin Media Television chief Pat Kiely. He makes audience shows in Ireland for US networks. Other contenders include Shinawil, which makes Dancing with the Stars. Another is GreenInc, which makes Crime Call. Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty was co-founder of Green Inc but is no longer involved.