| The Late Late Toy Show | |
|---|---|
.png) Logo (2009-2012) | |
| Presented by |
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| Country of origin | Ireland |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Production locations | RTÉ Studio 4, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland |
| Original release | |
| Network | RTÉ One |
| Release | 7 December 1974 – present |
| Related | |
| The Late Late Show | |
| Infobox instructions (only shown in preview) | |
The Late Late Toy Show is an annual, special edition of the Irish chat show The Late Late Show. Airing annually on RTÉ One near the end of November or early December to coincide with the holiday shopping season, the Toy Show showcases the popular toys of the year, as presented by the host and demonstrated by various children on-stage, along with appearances by celebrity guests.
Since its first presentation in 1975, the Toy Show has become a cultural institution in Ireland; it is often the most-watched programme of the year on Irish television (and its overall viewership has increased steadily in recent years), and being featured on the Toy Show has been said to have a major boost to sales of a product heading into the Christmas season.[1][2] Commercial time during the Toy Show is also prestigious for advertisers; in 2009, a 30-second spot cost €17,000; in comparison, a 30-second spot during the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final cost €9,750. Tickets to its taping are also difficult to come by; in one year, a single ticket was auctioned for €1,500.[3][4]
Most recently presented by Ryan Tubridy, the show has previously been presented by Gay Byrne and Pat Kenny during their tenures at the helm. Dustin the Turkey, a high-profile entertainment figure in Ireland, made an annual appearance, usually bringing a gift for the presenter. These gifts when produced tended to have a comedy effect and in the past have included a miniature antique chair and a Pat Kenny clock, ominously presented to Kenny's predecessor Byrne.[5] Patrick Kielty currently presents the show following his appointment as host in 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Toy Show's got its mojo back, thanks to Tubridywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ McBride, Caitlin (27 November 2009). "Look behind you Ryan". Evening Herald. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
- ^ "Toy Show ad cost unchanged at €17,000". The Sunday Business Post. Post Publications Ltd. 22 November 2009. Retrieved 5 November 2009.
- ^ "Toy Show is just child's play for Pat". Irish Independent. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
- ^ "Gay Byrne Interview". RTÉ Arts. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 17 August 2009. Retrieved 18 August 2009.