RTE's Late Late Show viewers have paid tribute to Marian Keyes after her ‘warm and uplifting’ appearance on the Friday night talk show.
The bestselling author, 58, was joined by a special audience of family and friends to reflect on her incredible career over the last three decades.
Marian opened up to host Ryan Tubridy about growing up in Ireland, moving to London in 1986 as well as speaking candidly about her battle with alcoholism and her 'lacklustre' suicide attempt that led to a stint in rehab.
Speaking to Ryan about her previous drinking problem, Marian said: "My drinking was never normal in that I drank for the wrong reasons and I drank because I felt being me was like wearing a pair of really tight shoes.
"Life was so uncomfortable in that prison. And then when I drank, it loosened and I felt like I could breathe and be normal and I felt like the way how other people felt. And then it was always worse, I felt worse the next day.
"It was like it was the only thing I cared about, eventually, because it made me feel okay - but it didn't."
She continued, saying: "I couldn't bear being me... so I did this lacklustre suicide attempt. It was probably a cry for help at the time but it meant there was no denying how bad things were then."
Marian revealed that she returned to Ireland, with the support of her father, and went into rehab at the Rutland treatment centre. It was straight after her time there that she got a book contract and subsequently began her career as an author.
Her family members and friends, including fellow authors, also joined in the conversation and told stories about Marian's personality and hilarious sense of humour.
The author was hailed as 'national treasure' by people watching the show as many shared their thoughts online.
Taking to Twitter, one woman wrote: "Marian is a national treasure and it's so lovely to see her being appreciated. So many women can identify with her & her writing and she has been a constant for so many of us for so long. #latelate"
Another person wrote: "Lovely upbeat vibe tonight - which seems to be simply what Marian Keyes is all about! Such a lovely, giving, person."
One fan wrote: "Absolutely loved watching the @MarianKeyes segment on the #latelate My favourite author for many years. She is a marvellous, beautiful woman on the inside and out. So warm and uplifting. Congratulations Marian."
And one man simply wrote: "Marian Keyes puts a smile on the nation's face. #latelate"
