First time host of RTÉ's New Year's Eve Live programme, Miriam O'Callaghan, has admitted that the show is a difficult assignment but maintains that this year's on air countdown has enough of a star studded line up to be a big hit with Irish viewers.
The show, which airs on RTÉ One from 22.35 tomorrow night, will feature some of the top names in the world of Irish entertainment and sport.
Confirmed guests include Jedward, actor Saoirse Ronan, comedians Pat Shortt and Brendan Grace as well as brothers and All-Ireland winning Dublin footballers Alan and Bernard Brogan, who will appear alongside their father.
“They are by their nature difficult shows to do,” said O'Callaghan.
“I told the team that if you give me good guests I promise I will make it work and now I am really confident that I will make it work,” she said.
The programme will also link with the New Year’s Eve party happening on College Green in Dublin where The Coronas are due to perform.
This year’s countdown to midnight will usher in more than just a new year as it will mark the official start of RTÉ’s TV50 series, developed to celebrate the station's 50th anniversary.
RTÉ presenter and author of Window and Mirror. RTÉ Television: 1961-2011, John Bowman will join O'Callaghan in studio to discuss the history of the State broadcaster.
However, speaking earlier today, the presenter said the show would not be solely focused on RTÉ over that past 50 years and would instead use the opportunity to examine Irish society itself during that time.
“Mainly it is meant to be a good party. I want people to come away feeling a bit lifted, a bit happy,” she said.