Late Late Toy Show slays 2023 as most watched programme of the year

THE LATE Late Toy Show has broken records on RTÉ Player as the most-watched programme of the year.

The elf-themed programme slayed its mission of spreading Christmas cheer for all while raising €3.6 million for the Toy Show Appeal.

Average TV viewing for Friday night's show is now over 1.7 million, including catch-up viewing on Saturday and Sunday. 

As host Patrick Kielty channelled Buddy the Elf in his debut Toy Show, audiences from an unprecedented 147 countries worldwide streamed the annual extravaganza which this year featured over 170 performers from around the country including unforgettable toy demo kids such as County Clare’s Sheamie, sport loving Stevie from Kilkenny, and Tipperary’s Sophie who raced to the studio in time for Patrick to surprise her with a magical trip to Disneyland. 

Host Patrick Kielty said: “I’m still coming back down to earth from an amazing night last Friday. I want to express huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Late Late Toy Show so special. To all of you who watched, to the brilliant kids who brought their magic and put a giant smile on all of our faces. And, to every last one of you who gave so generously to our Toy Show Appeal – you have made a massive difference to so many children’s lives – thank you! Being part of it is something I will never forget – a forever night!” 

Once again, audiences responded with huge generosity towards the Toy Show Appeal, which saw over €3.6 million donated by viewers to help children's charities across Ireland in the year ahead. This brings the total amount of funds raised by the Appeal to over €21 million since the inaugural Toy Show Appeal in 2020. 

On the over €3.6 million raised from the Toy Show Appeal since Friday night, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland said: “The extraordinary generosity of Toy Show viewers will ensure the magic continues long after the Christmas decorations come down. Hundreds of thousands of children will have their lives transformed. There will be more essential supports including food, clothing, therapy as well as health and wellbeing services. In addition, play and creativity will become more accessible to all. The Foundation will work with leading child advocates and our partners in RTÉ to begin the process of distributing the Toy Show fund to every county. For now, our message to viewers is Thank You!”