Ireland’s beloved Late Late Toy Show returned to our screens this week. For many, the Toy Show is a Christmas tradition that simply cannot be missed.
RTE presenter Ryan Tubridy took over presenting duties of the Late Late Toy Show from Pat Kenny in 2009. The Toy Show was first broadcast to the public in 1975 as a half-hour segment. Now, the Toy Show lasts several hours and rakes in millions of views from all over the world.
The 2022 Late Late Toy Show consisted of a ginormous cast with more than 200 young performers. Each year, the theme of the Toy Show changes. For instance, in 2021, the theme of the show was The Lion King. This year, the producers of the show went all out with their Wizard of Oz theme.
“It [the Toy Show] is the thing that is close to the hearts of everyone who will be watching. Every age group, every generation,” Tubridy told RTE ahead of the show.
“I promised we will be going home. I promised we will be talking more about Christmas, I promised we will get back to basics and when people see that opening, people will know exactly what I am talking about.
“Now it is time to simply get the treats in, to get the crisps in and the spirit back in the house and prepare yourself for what I hope will be the greatest night of the year for boys and girls all over the country because each and every one of them whether they are in hospital, at home or whether they are at their friend’s house. Wherever they are, this is for them, they deserve it. I look forward to everyone’s company immensely,” Tubridy added.
In recent years, fans of the show have taken to various social media platforms to show their love for the show and point out funny moments.
This year, a viral clip emerged from the Toy Show on TIKTOK as Emmie O’Neill got the opportunity to meet her footballing heroes in the FAI Women’s football team. Not only did Emmie get to meet her idols, but she was also informed that she would be flying out to Australia to watch the Irish squad compete at the Women’s World Cup.
Cealan Green also stole the show with his brilliant reaction when he was greeted by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher was praised on social media for his effort to appear on the Toy Show, with one Twitter user writing: “Caoimhin Kelleher surprised a child, Cealan, on tonight’s @RTELateLateShow Kelleher also presented the child with a signed kit from the Liverpool squad and a trip to Anfield. Caoimhin Kelleher – great guy.”
Aside from the celebrity appearances, Twitter users were also generating their own comedic content that was getting quite the reaction. Here’s a thread of some of the biggest hits:
One of the biggest stars to emerge from the show in recent years was a young boy from Cork by the name of Adam King. King suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta- a rare bone condition.
RTÉ’s 2FM showed their appreciation for King by creating their very own song to convey their love to King!
Adam’s idea of a ‘Virtual Hug’ was a huge hit and exploded in popularity on Valentine’s Day with his ‘Hug For You’ cards. All proceeds from the cards were donated to Temple Street Childrens Hospital and Cork University Hospital Charity.
President of the United States Joe Biden sent Adam a letter praising his exceptional work.
“On St Patrick’s Day your Taoiseach Micheál Martin told me about the great work you have been doing, and most importantly your virtual hugs,” Mr. Biden wrote.
“They are a wonderful symbol of hope and joy, and have helped many people during these difficult times.
“I’m sure your family knows the Gaelic proverb, “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”- “In the shadow of each other, we live.” We all need to connect and feel close with other people, and you have done a special thing by bringing people closer together with your virtual hugs,” Mr. Biden added. Donations from this year’s Toy Show have exceeded € 3.5 million. If you wish you can donate here.