RTE Late Late Show viewers 'cringing' with embarrassment as Ryan Tubridy celebrates audience return

The Late Late Show celebrated the return of audiences to the RTE studio on Friday night.

People were able to join host Ryan Tubridy in person after the easing of Covid restrictions eased the rules on indoor gatherings.

There was palpable excitement among the audience and Tubridy as the show kicked off with a celebration of the return to relative normality.

However, viewers at home were left cringing and "scarlet" for the crowds and the presenter at the "embarrassing" Late Late opening.

The programme began with the audience belting out Ireland's Call while waving green flags enthusiastically.

Tubridy joined them by bounding up the stairs and also blasting out the song.

Ryan Tubridy was excited about the return of audiences on Friday night. (RTE)

Not everyone enjoyed the scenes as much as those in studio, with hundreds of people at home commenting on the segment.

Many were left mortified and felt compelled to switch off the Late Late after seeing the singalong.

One person said: "Had the intense displeasure of seeing the start of the Late Late tonight. Proper cringey.

"The whole audience up clapping and singing Ireland's call cos it was the first audience since the pandemic. Cringing in my seat watching."

A second said: "I believe the term for what many Irish people are feeling having watched this is ‘cultural cringe’. #latelate."

A third commented: "Scarlet for each and every last one of them."

While a fourth said: "I’ve got tears in my eyes too. I had to wash them with bleach after seeing this."

A fifth viewer commented: "Everything that's wrong with Ireland in the space of 57 seconds."

Another person said: "Good god what is this rubbish."

Someone else said: "Had to turn it off after that cringe."

One person exclaimed: "Make it stop please."

A second wrote: "Cringe and sacrilege of #IrelandsCall."

Another commented: "Oh sweet mother of Jesus! Mega CRINGE!"

While someone else said: "Absolutely embarrassing and cringe worthy rubbish!"

However, one person who was in the audience defended the scenes.

They said: "Was in the audience tonight. Wasn’t that bad, not a fan of Ireland's Call, but everyone was happy out there and people get carried away when the band starts playing (serious wedding vibes)."