At just 17 years old, Patrick Kielty’s father was shot dead by the Ulster Freedom Fighters, just one of the difficulties he experienced growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles.

Before becoming a stand-up comedian, Patrick was a very talented Gaelic footballer and played for the Down GAA minor team, appearing as the substitute goalkeeper during their winning All Ireland Minor Football Championship in 1987.

His first foray into performing was whilst a pupil at St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick, when he was persuaded to take part by his games master, who was impressed by his impersonations. And it wouldn’t be long until his professional stand-up career started. While at University, he and his friend Jackie Hamilton started taking comedy seriously, and they went on to open The Empire comedy club in Belfast.

Since rising to fame in the UK, Patrick Kielty has gone international with his comedy, even living in the USA with his ex-wife, Cat Deeley, for 15 years. And whilst he might consider himself foremost a comedian, he also boasts an incredible CV when it comes to presenting and broadcasting.

His talent was quickly spotted, and he received the Best Newcomer award at the 1996 Royal Television Society Awards for his hosting of PK Tonight (1995). He would go on to host Last Chance Lottery (1996), Patrick Kielty Almost Live (1999), Fame Academy (2002-2003), Celebrity Love Island (2005-2006), Stupid Punts (2001-2003), Stand Up For the Week (2010), and Debatable (2016).

He has appeared as a guest on TV in programmes such as Live at the Apollo (2007), Have I Got News For You (1998), Channel 4’s Comedy Gala (2010), and Sharon Osbourne: A Comedy Roast (2010).

Patrick has become a familiar face for hosting hard-hitting documentaries, including My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me (2018), which looked at the state of Northern Ireland 20 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. He has also presented Patrick Kielty’s Mulholland Drive (2016), 100 Years of Union (2021), and interviewed Tony Blair and Bertie Ahearn. His documentary hosting has seen him named UK Documentary Host of the Year at the 2018 Grierson Awards, and Best Presenter at the RTS.

Whilst not predominately an actor, Patrick appeared in the West End production of A Night in November in 2007, and the movie Ballywalter in 2023.

He is a big charity supporter, providing his comedy skills to benefit shows raising money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and fundraising events for Comic Relief, Sport Relief, Children in Need, and UNICEF.

Patrick has hosted several life events, including the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics in Dublin in 2003 to a reported global audience of 800 million and a segment of ITV’s coverage of The Prince’s Trust’s 30th Birthday celebrations.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty for your corporate event.

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