Joanne McNally gets a standing ovation on Fallon ahead of her Netflix special

Irish comedian Joanne McNally received a standing ovation during her US television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, according to RTÉ and Goss.ie. The appearance comes ahead of a planned filming of her Netflix comedy special in New York on 7 November.

Fallon embraced McNally after her set and told her, ‘That’s awesome! That’s how you do it!’ RTÉ reported. As the audience rose, he added: ‘Look at that – standing O!’

What Joanne McNally joked about on The Tonight Show

She wore a sparkling black Adidas jersey for the performance, Goss.ie reported. Fallon introduced her and promoted the forthcoming special. RTÉ identified it as Pinotphile and said it is scheduled to be filmed at New York’s Town Hall as part of the New York Comedy Festival.

Why McNally’s Fallon appearance had drawn criticism

McNally had announced the booking earlier in October, according to Goss.ie. The outlet reported that she then responded to criticism of her decision to appear on a show that had previously hosted Conor McGregor. Sharing a video criticising the booking, McNally wrote: ‘Imagine expecting me to turn down an opportunity to do Jimmy Fallon cos of Conor McF***ing Gregor.’ She said she would take the opportunity rather than give up a professional platform because the show had hosted him.

Presenter Laura Whitmore was among those to react to McNally’s appearance, commenting, ‘There she is! Proud 💚,’ Goss.ie reported. The outlet said McGregor had appeared on The Tonight Show in July to promote a fight.

Where to see Joanne McNally next

McNally co-hosts My Therapist Ghosted Me with Vogue Williams and is appearing on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, RTÉ reported. She is also due to bring Pinotphile to Dublin’s 3Arena for four nights in December. RTÉ said she became the first Irish comedian to sell out three dates at the venue.