Security scare hits Late Late Show
The world’s longest running television chat show was tonight interrupted after a security scare during the live broadcast.
Shortly after The Late Late Show went on air at 9.30pm in Ireland it was temporarily aborted when a man emerged from the audience threatening host Pat Kenny.
The presenter had just introduced three guests, who are judges in a music talent contest programme which also goes out on the state-owned channel RTÉ 1, when the alert began.
Television chiefs immediately pulled the plug when it became clear what was happening and the show had to break for advertisements.
After shouting comments at the presenter the man was removed by security staff and later arrested by gardai, according to RTE.
Pat Kenny took over as host of the station’s flagship show seven years ago from Gay Byrne who had been the presenter since 1962.
Although its influence has waned in recent times it was once considered a major catalyst for social change in Ireland.
It often courted controversy by openly tackling once taboo issues such as divorce, contraception and abortion in what was then a devoutly Roman Catholic state.
It was also known for attracting major music acts and showbusiness stars as well as world leaders. U2, Noel Gallagher, Peter Sellers, Bob Geldof, Mother Theresa, Rod Stewart and Roy Keane are just some of the guests who have appeared on the show during its past four decades.
In statement a spokesman for the State broadcaster said gardaí were called to the studios in Donnybrook, Dublin, and took the man into custody.
“RTE understands that the man in question was a member of the live studio audience,” he said.
“Production personnel went immediately to a commercial break while security personnel removed the man from the set.”
