It’s one of the most magical times of the year as Christmas officially gets underway tonight when The Late Late Toy Show airs.
Promising to be bigger and better than ever before, RTÉ have revealed that this year’s show will be based on the iconic musical film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Host Ryan Tubridy will take part in the opening performance of a much-loved song from the film to get proceedings underway and the opening act will include 46 performers while a total of 191 performers will showcase their talent throughout the night.

The talking point of the show for the last few years has been Ryan’s choice of Christmas jumper and this time round he will wear not one but four different jumpers throughout the show – all of which have been knitted by members of the public Patricia Wynne from Wexford, Helen O’Sullivan Murphy from Kerry, Fiona Meagher from Cork, and Concepta Davidson from Kildare.

On top of all that fun and festivity, the Toy Show also has a record number of children on the show this year, with more than 269 performers and toy testers all taking part. The toy count has reached new levels too with 200 toys featuring in the show and over 300 toys used for set design.

As with last year, a number of charities will be there on the night including The Heart Children Ireland, Laura Lynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Central Remedial Clinic and National Rehabilitation Hospital who will bring children in and their time on set will be captured and screened during the show.

And don’t forget, no matter where you are in the world you can catch the show live online and for up to 21 days afterwards on RTÉ player.
All the toys featured on the show will be donated to charity afterwards.
The show kicks off from 9.35pm.