This week’s Late Late has a country music theme and the line-up is brilliant

It's that time of year again.

If you're a fan of all things country and western music, then you'll particularly enjoy this week's Late Late Show line-up.  That's right, The Late Late Show Country Special is here. Daniel O'Donell, Nathan Carter, Susan McCann, Paddy Cole and Fr Brian D'Arcy will be joining Ryan Tubridy on Friday night to pay tribute to country music legend Big Tom, who passed away earlier this week, aged 81. They will be talking about the impact that the Castleblaney native had on country music within Ireland, as well as his legacy - and why he was one of the most beloved singers in Ireland.

Ryan Tubridy said:

“This week, more than any, we have seen how the country scene in Ireland is part of the fabric of who we are. It is only fitting that we should pay tribute to Big Tom.

"As one of the best loved singers in Ireland, he paved the way for a lot of today’s biggest performers. We’ll be hearing from some of those who knew him best and celebrating the popularity of the music that he loved so much.

"There is something for everyone in this show from the die-hard fans to those looking to dip their toe into country waters.”

Elsewhere in the episode, the Country Special will be focusing on the wider appeal of country music - and the impact it's had on some other genres.

Boyzone's Ronan Keating will be talking to viewers about the origins of one of his solo hits, When You Say Nothing At All - which he'll be performing alongside Lisa McHugh. Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan will be performing their version of Hurts So Good, while Derek Ryan and Sandy Kelly will sing the classic Islands in the Stream.  Ryan Tubridy will also be joined by Gloria, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, and Michael English on the night - as well as many others, as The Late Late Show goes full country for the night.

• The Late Late Show Country Special airs this  Friday on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.