This Friday's edition of The Late Late Show looks action packed, with musical guests The Academic (one of our current cover stars!) and trad outfit The Mary Wallopers joining as musical guests.

Oscar nominee Paul Mescal will discuss his overnight fame after the airing of Normal People, accidentally going viral for speaking the Irish language on the BAFTA red carpet, and competing with Colin Farrell for that coveted Best Actor gong.

The Kildare native will also chat about his new film God’s Creatures, which opens the Dublin International Film Festival this week and stars Emily Watson, who will also join Ryan on Friday. The two-time Oscar nominee is no stranger to these shores having starred in Angela’s Ashes and featured alongside Daniel Day Lewis in The Boxer.

Paul and Emily will talk awards season, the wildness of Donegal and the challenge of taking on thought-provoking roles.

Nuair a bhíonn Gaeilge Dhún na nGall ag an scrúdaitheoir! 😅 #BAFTAs #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/yrkRvS2NJS

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Chef Jamie Oliver will divulge all things culinary and his lengthy career, from learning to cook in his parents' pub aged eight to becoming a global phenomenon in food. He will also discuss his desire to drive positive change in food education and public health as well as his latest restaurant venture in Dublin ‘Chequer Lane’.

Just back from his second BAFTA win, Oscar-winning animator Richie Baneham will chat about coming home to Tallaght, working with James Cameron and looking ahead to his second Oscar nomination for Avatar: The Way of Water.

As the intrigue in the hit drama Smother ramps up, the actors behind three of the RTE show's lead characters will be on the show. The latest addition to the cast, Fionnula Flanagan will share why she is still in the prime of her career despite first appearing on screens in 1965.

Credit: RTÉ

Elsewhere, Gemma-Leah Devereaux will chat about why Smother fans were delighted when her character Anna got her comeuppance and Dean Fagan, who plays Finn, will tell viewers why spending so much time in Lahinch has changed his life.

In 1959 the drug Thalidomide was hailed as a miracle cure for pregnant women who suffered from morning sickness. It proved immensely popular both in Ireland and abroad until 1961, when it was discovered that the drug was causing catastrophic injuries to babies in the womb. The drug was removed from shelves across the world, except in Ireland where it was widely available for a further nine months. Over 60 years later, the Thalidomide Survivors in Ireland are still seeking a State apology. They're set to share their stories on this week's Late Late Show.

Fresh from their No.1 album success, Westmeath band The Academic will sing 'Pushing Up Daisies' from Sitting Pretty and The Mary Wallopers will sing 'Eileen ÓG' from their self-titled debut album.

The Late Late Show airs on RTÉ One this Friday, February 24th at 9:35pm.