The countdown has really begun. On Friday, November 25, Ryan Tubridy will take off his weirdest Christmas sweater to kick off Christmas and host The Late Late Toy Show for its 14th year.
Where to watch and what to expect, we’ve listed everything you need to know ahead of the most magical night on Irish television.
Where and when?
The Late Late Toy Show will air on Friday, November 25 at 9:35 p.m. m. on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Do you live abroad?
Don’t worry, this year’s show will be available to watch live around the world on RTÉ Player on both desktop and app.
Which is the topic?
As always, The Late Late Toy Show’s theme is RTÉ’s best-kept secret, and not so much of a clue is given to the audience until the big set reveal, which takes place the day before the show.
In the past, creators have drawn inspiration from popular children’s stories, inspired by Disney hits like The Jungle Book and The Lion King, as well as fictional tales from the wonderful world of Roald Dahl.
So far, as well as wearing some very colourful jumpers, our presenter has dressed up as (deep breath): Willy Wonka from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory; Woody from Toy Story; Santa’s helper; Bert from Mary Poppins; Caractacus Potts from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Lumière from Beauty and the Beast; Baloo from The Jungle Book; a toy solider from The Nutcracker; Sebastian from The Little Mermaid; the ringmaster from The Greatest Showman; Olaf from Frozen; Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox; and Timon from The Lion King.
What toys will be present?
The toys have been kindly sent by toy retailers across the country, and toys displayed by children at the Late Late Toy Show will be donated to charities across the country in time for Christmas. A list of featured toys will be available on the show’s website www.rte.ie/lifestyle after the broadcast.
The Toy Show Appeal
The Toy Show Appeal returns for the third year in a row, having won the hearts of viewers at home and around the world. Last year it grossed a staggering €6,601,895 million, with viewers from 150 countries.
Donations can be made via www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal and we’re delighted to welcome this year’s earnings via the Donations tab in the Revolut app, which goes live tonight.
Who will be there?
Ryan and his army of toy testers will return to RTÉ One to bring the magic of the Toy Show to every corner of the country and reveal the best new toys of the year.
Famous faces are a staple of this annual extravaganza. Whether it’s Dermot Bannon or Davy Fitz, it’s always amazing to see a kid’s face light up when they see their favorite personality.
Ed Sheeran was also quite a surprise.
Getting celebrity surprises in person during the pandemic was no small feat, but the Toy Show team is a very smart bunch.
Despite the restrictions, they managed to bring Dermot Kennedy onstage with superfan Michael Moloney for a spectacular Giants performance.
Not only that, but they managed to harness the power of technology to the fullest and put together a very special video message for U2’s The Edge Rock Is The Best Medicine singer, Noah.
In reality, though, no celebrity gets a chance to steal the spotlight from the real stars of the night: the kids.
Kids across the country have auditioned to become entertainers, entertainers and toy testers, always claiming to be fan favorites. Who could forget watch enthusiast John-Joe Brennan? Or Sophia Maher, who spoke about her experience with bullying?
Children are an essential ingredient to create the magic of this show.
Social Networks RTÉ
The Late Late Toy Show excitement begins live on social media with breaking behind-the-scenes updates and show highlights on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
To join in the fun follow #LateLateToyShow #TotallyWorthIt, @LateLateRTE on Instagram, @RTELateLateShow on Twitter, @TheLateLateShow on Facebook and @latelaterte on TikTok.
When did it all start?
The Late Late Toy Show began in 1975 as a half-hour slot at the end of the Late Late Show as a way to provide parents across Ireland with some Christmas gift ideas while their children slept.
It quickly became a one-night stand in its own right, complete with children’s toy testers and performers.
First introduced by Gay Byrne, the cape was given to Pat Kenny in 1999 and has remained in that position for 10 years. The current presenter is Ryan Tubridy, who took over in 2009.
Who’s tuning in?
Last year’s show was a huge success, with an average audience of 1.8 million viewers tuning in over the weekend, making it one of the highest rated TV shows ever recorded in Ireland on a single channel. .
The annual Christmas extravaganza is a must for the whole family. According to a survey published by Jurys Inn, 40% of Irish millennials indicated that they see the Toy Show as the most precious return to their youth.
Basically Toy Show is for just about everyone, even Russell Crowe loves to tune in!
Packed with amazing characters, impressive shows, incredible surprise guests (and a variety of Ryan’s Christmas sweaters), everyone is invited to take part in the most phenomenal night, where Christmas really begins.
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