The Unique Appeal of The Late Late Toy Show’s Unpredictability

A beloved Irish television tradition, The Late Late Toy Show, returned to screens this Friday evening, with host Patrick Kielty, in his festive Christmas jumper, greeting children of various ages. This marked the Dundrum native’s second occasion presenting the yearly Christmas event, during which young participants are welcomed into the studio to demonstrate the most popular toys of the year for an audience of millions. The program commenced with a homage to the popular Christmas film Home Alone, featuring all its characters and Kielty portraying Kevin. “Last time around I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I kind of know what may happen and I don’t know if that makes it any better – ignorance might have been bliss,” Kielty said. “Once the party starts you’ve no idea where it’s going to go or how it’ll turn out, so there’s no point worrying.” The County Down-born presenter conveyed to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme prior to the broadcast, “There’s nowhere else that you’d rather be, there’s no other show you’d rather be hosting.” He stated that his role involves endeavoring to maintain the Toy Show’s progression, but its ultimate direction or outcome on the evening remains uncertain, which, he noted, constitutes its enchantment. The Late Late Toy Show, customarily the nation’s most-viewed television broadcast, has been airing since the 1970s and signifies the commencement of the Christmas period for numerous individuals in the Republic of Ireland and internationally. Kielty assumes the festive hosting position previously occupied by figures such as Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, and Ryan Tubridy. The host recounted his personal recollections of the program, which involved sitting with his mother and father and effectively serving as the “human remote.” “We had the two aerials, one pointing to Belfast and one that pointed to Dublin, and it was my job to switch over from BBC to RTÉ to watch Gay Byrne.” “There wasn’t a lot of fancy toys back then in Dundrum,” he recalled. “But on The Toy Show they always had the latest and best toys and that was the excitement for us.” Kielty observed that numerous Irish individuals, residing either in Ireland or overseas, convene to view the program with relatives and acquaintances, admiring the songs, festive spirit, and occasional special guest appearances. “The good thing about this going out on the RTÉ player means everybody around the world can watch this,” Kielty said. “There is a whole Irish diaspora around the world and for many people abroad, who are homesick and maybe missing their family and home, they will be able to watch and it’s a bit like their unofficial Thanksgiving.” The current year’s broadcast featured children representing each county across Ireland. Lucy Hamilton, hailing from Maguiresbridge, represented County Fermanagh. She paused from her rehearsals to explain to Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme the process by which she secured her participation in the show. “I did a video and then they called mummy to say can they do a face to face and then audition,” she said. “I played Zombie by The Cranberries.” When queried if any specific toys on the program would capture her attention, she responded, “Probably the Squishmallows and Stitch teddies.” While hosting a prominent program of this nature might inflate one’s ego, Kielty remarked that his children promptly temper any notions he might have of becoming overly self-important. “My boys couldn’t care less that their dad is hosting, they essentially want me to move aside and let them hear the kids talk about the toys,” he said. “They want to know what toys they should be putting on their Santa list.” Kielty mentioned that this year’s theme drew inspiration from Home Alone, adding that the Late Late team had truly “knocked it out of the park.” “All the kids that have come in for rehearsals, their mouths have been on the floor when they see the Home Alone house recreated for the set,” he said. “The show for me is all about grownups moving aside for one night and the kids taking over and that movie is all about a kid being put in charge and the fun that he manages to get up to.” The Late Late Toy Show commenced on RTÉ One at 9.35pm and concluded at 11.55pm. Additionally, it will be available for global viewing on RTÉ Player. A 14-year-old from Londonderry expressed that he could scarcely control his enthusiasm upon discovering he would be performing on the Late Late Toy Show. Joshua and his mother, Tracey Concannon, conversing with BBC News NI from their Dublin hotel room prior to the broadcast, described experiencing a hectic 24-hour period. They returned to Derry from a family vacation in New York on Wednesday, subsequently traveling directly to Dublin for Toy Show rehearsals on Thursday. “To be on the Toy Show is massive; we watch it every year as a family,” Joshua said. “I found out about two months ago, and all my friends and teachers were all really happy for me. My form teacher, Ms O’Hara, I think told more people than me.” Joshua, identified as a singer, Irish dancer, and actor, mentioned that he frequently performs on stage and feels no apprehension about appearing on television before millions. He had, in fact, paused his preparations for his part as Mike TV in the Letterkenny Musical Society’s forthcoming staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He stated that he was unable to disclose any specifics regarding his performance on the Late Late Toy Show on Friday evening, advising that viewers would simply need to watch to learn more. “It’s a big secret, but it will be a lot of fun,” he said. Significant anticipation preceded the program at Roan St. Patrick’s Primary School, located in Eglish, County Tyrone. Zara, a Primary 3 student, was also among the young participants in the Toy Show. Zara showcased her understanding of space during a segment on the renowned program and had the opportunity to meet Dr Norah Patten, who is slated to become an astronaut. “She is a real wee character who is really into science and has a real love of space. We knew she was going to the audition and she had had a few weeks of a wait to find out if she got through,” Mr Mone added. On Thursday, the school organized a special Toy Show day to bid farewell to Zara. “The craic was good,” Mr Mone said. “Everyone went home with a goodybag of snacks to enjoy during the show. The whole community is behind her, she has promised to give us a mention she we can’t wait to see how she gets on.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.