'Unpredictability of Late Late Toy Show is why it's special'

A much-loved Irish TV staple returned to screens this Friday night as presenter Patrick Kielty donned his festive Christmas jumper and welcome children of all ages to the Late Late Toy Show.

It was the Dundrum native's second time hosting the annual Christmas spectacular, where children are invited into the studio to test run the year's hottest toys to the millions watching.

The show started with a tribute to the hit Christmas movie Home Alone with all the characters from the movie and Kielty playing 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.

'No other show you'd rather be hosting'

"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.

"There's nowhere else that you'd rather be, there's no other show you'd rather be hosting," the County Down-born presenter told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme ahead of the show.

He said his job is to try his best to keep the Toy Show train on the tracks, but where it ends up or goes on the night is anyone's guess - and therein lies the magic of it.

Traditionally the country's most-watched television programme, The Late Late Toy Show has been running since the 1970s and marks for many in the Republic of Ireland and further afield the start of the Christmas season.

Kielty follows in the festive hot seat previously held by the likes of Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy.

The presenter said his own memories of the show was sitting with his mum and dad and essentially being 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 said for many Irish people, whether they live in Ireland or abroad, they all gather around to watch the show with family and friends and marvel at songs, seasonal cheer and a special guest appearance or two.

"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."

This year's show included children from every county in Ireland.

Representing County Fermanagh was Lucy Hamilton from Maguiresbridge.

She took a break from rehearsals to tell Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme how she came to be on 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."

Asked if she thought any toys would particularly catch her eye on the show she said: "Probably the Squishmallows and Stitch teddies."

'They couldn't care less their dad is hosting'

Presenting such a flagship show could go to anyone's head, but Kielty said his children are quick to humble any thoughts of him potentially getting above his station.

"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 said the theme this year was based on Home Alone and he said the Late Late team has really "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."

Where can I watch the Late Late Toy Show?

The Late Late Toy Show began on RTÉ One at 9.35pm and runs until 11.55pm.

It will also be broadcast worldwide on RTÉ Player.

One 14-year-old from Londonderry said he could barely contain his excitement when he found out that he will be performing on the Late Late Toy Show.

Speaking to BBC News NI before the show from their hotel room in Dublin, Joshua and his mum, Tracey Concannon, said they have had a whirlwind 24 hours.

They flew back to Derry from a family holiday in New York on Wednesday to then head straight 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, who is a singer, Irish dancer, and actor, said he spends a lot of time on stage and is not nervous about being seen on the TV in front of millions.

He actually took time out from preparing for his role as Mike TV in the Letterkenny Musical Society's upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

He said that he could not divulge any of the details surrounding his performance on the Late Late Toy Show on Friday evening and said people will just need to tune in to find out.

"It's a big secret, but it will be a lot of fun," he said.

There was huge excitement ahead of the show at Roan St. Patrick's Primary School, in Eglish in County Tyrone.

Primary 3 pupil Zara was also amongst the children taking part in the Toy Show.

"The whole school is absolutely buzzing," headmaster Stephen Mone said.

Zara demonstrated her knowledge about space in a segment on the iconic show and even met Dr Norah Patten who is set to be 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 had a special Toy Show day to send Zara on her way.

"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."