‘The Late Late Toy Show’ applications have just opened

One of the country’s most loved festive traditions, there have been several memorable moments throughout the years but the 2020 Toy Show edition was a clear winner.

Drawing an audience of 1.5 million viewers – close to 1.7 million people had watched the Roald Dahl-themed episode by the end of the weekend – it boasted the highest TV audience for any Late Late Toy Show on record… and rightly so because 12 months on and we’re all still talking about it. 

Initially under threat of being cancelled due to ongoing lockdown restrictions at the time, the Late Late team held out hope to the very end and thankfully, things were able to proceed as planned. Aptly described by host Ryan Tubridy as “possibly the most important of all time”, there was a lot riding on the 2020 show but it absolutely delivered on all accounts. 

Pulling together one of the most special Toy Shows to date, it showcased just a small taste of the incredible talent that’s out there and it was exactly the tonic the country needed. In fact, even actor Russell Crowe is a fan. 

Doesn’t matter where you’re from, if you have a kind soul and an open heart you’ll appreciate how wonderful this tradition from Ireland is.
The #latelatetoyshow looking for toy testers !! https://t.co/np81ibqhxb

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 10, 2020

Also introducing us to Galway girl Saoírse Ruane, her incredible bravery was the inspiration behind last year’s fundraiser – which helped to raise a staggering €6.6 million for various children’s charities across the country. And who could forget Cork native Adam King and his virtual hug sign?!

Safe to say, this year’s show will have a tough act to follow but the team are intent on giving it their best shot and preparations have already begun for the 2021 version. Just confirming that Toy Show applications are now open, RTÉ has put a call out for anyone interested in taking part to get in touch. Doesn’t matter whether you sing, dance, have a hobby or just love to chat, they want to hear from you.

https://twitter.com/RTELateLateShow/status/1434487727064559625

All your child needs to do to apply is fill out this application form here and upload a short audition clip too. Couldn’t be easier. With any luck, this year’s Toy Show will be allowed to have a live audience too but no updates on that front just yet.

Feature image Andres Poveda/RTÉ