The Late Late Toy Show - seven magic moments

It's been another great Late Late Toy Show. We look back on some of the best moments from the Elf-themed televisual treat that was Toy Show 2023.

The Opening Number

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Toy Show openings are the stuff of Irish telly legend - and 2023 added to the lore! This year, the tune for Patrick Kielty's debut as a song and dance man was Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. With the young stars in full feelgood voice, it was a performance worthy of the big, bearded man himself!

A Little Bit Naughty

The Matilda fans were representing on Friday night, and their rendition of the big song from the stage and screen favourite was so impressive that even a very special guest was blown away. "This is incredible!" said Matilda's Irish star Alisha Weir. "You guys smashed it!"

Sophie's Surprise

If you can't make it to the Toy Show, the Toy Show will come to you! Sophie Quirke (eight) from Thurles, Co Tipperary was watching with her family when Patrick sprang a surprise - a magic bus was waiting outside to bring her to the studio! When Sophie arrived, she did a superb job of her toy testing and then made sure we had something in our eye all over again as it was revealed that she and her family would be going to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. That trip might even top her Toy Show night!

Ireland's Call

If stout-hearted Stevie Mulrooney (seven) from Kilkenny ever represents Ireland in any code, then this footage will be shown at every available opportunity - it's already a viral hit. The sports-mad youngster made Ireland's Call his own - and then Ireland internationals Bundee Aki and Peter O'Mahony made his night. Six Nations tickets were also presented. They should get Stevie to sing at the game!

Barbie medley

He's just Ken. Well, Patrick actually. The new Late Late host's surreal 2023 continued as he was transformed into Barbie's other half for a medley from the box office hit. Having made his own big-screen debut this year in the acclaimed Ballywalter, perhaps Patrick has his heart set on getting dolled up for a certain sequel...

Family reunion

Granny Carol O'Brien from Navan, Co Meath was sitting in the Toy Show audience when Patrick made a beeline for the seat beside her. Carol's daughter Joanne, son-in-law Richard and grandchildren Ben and Eva were in Perth, Western Australia and had recorded a special video message. Except they weren't 9,200 miles away - they were behind the Christmas Tree in the Toy Show studio! The tears flowed, with even Patrick struggling to keep it together as the Toy Show added to its treasure trove.

Freya sings the show out

Freya McLaughlin (11) from Lucan, Co Dublin was asked to sing the final song of the night - and what an inspired choice she proved to be. As Patrick brought the curtain down on Toy Show 2023, Freya sang Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. "Thanks to all the kids who created the magic in our studio," he said as the youngster beside him made sure there was some more.

Catch up on all the Late Late Toy Show magic on the RTÉ Player.

The Late Late Toy Show - seven magic moments

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