Every year, the countdown to the Late Late Toy Show is an incredibly exciting one, no matter what age you are. As we were growing up, it was all about the toys – What ones were cool or new and what ones you would add to your list for Santa. Now, most of us watch it for the show’s charm. From hilarious kids to Ryan Tubridy’s bursts of energy to the utter carnage that comes along with the bicycle round, the Toy Show is certainly a highlight of the holidays ever year. The late great Gay Byrne first initially presented the show, followed by Pat Kenny. Tubs later took over in 2009 and has presented it ever since. The years have provided some of the most iconic moments that have stuck with us, and here are just a few of them.
In 2003, young Toby Kane from Wicklow came onto the show to sing the girl band’s cover of Jump. It was an adorable performance in itself, but the excitement built when Girls Aloud joined him on stage. While most kids from the noughties would be buzzing at the prospect, poor Toby seemed to be very spooked by the whole ordeal. When asked if he wanted to speak to them, he simply shook his head and looked on the brink of tears. Here’s the clip.
2. It’s a Níl from Alex
Five-year-old Alex Meehan from Dundalk entered the set on a green ride-on tracker with a horse on the back of it on the 2012 Toy Show. Tubridy starts by asking him about himself and his paddy cap. After this, Alex begins to speak Irish. They chat momentarily before Tubs asks him “Any craic?” Alex simply says “Níl” and heads off on his tractor. Check out the very cute clip here.
3. John Joe the horologist
This moment from the 2009 Toy Show is definitely one of the most memorable and well-loved. John Joe Brennan joined Tubridy on the book section of the show and began telling him about his love of Roald Dahl. He starts to get very giddy before revealing that he’d like to be a horologist when he grew up. When investigating Tubs’ watch he says, “It’s a very good mark, I suppose. Next to Rolex.” Here’s the brilliant clip of when a legend was born.
4. Adam and Kayla’s Christmas is made
Christmas came early for this brother and sister in 2017. Adam and Kayla came onto the show to talk about the toys they got to test out. However, Tubridy had a special present for the two of them. He shows them a tall wrapped gift and builds suspense. Before long, he’s ripping it open to reveal their dad, who is based in Mali with the Defense Forces. The excitement on the children’s faces combined with Adam exclaiming “Daddy!” was enough to hit us all in the feels. The family embrace their dad as their mam and younger sister join them. Check out the emotional clip here.
5. Johnny meets his idol
In 2015, young Johnny from Clare joined Tubridy on the show and told him about his love of the weather. He even brought a board game that he had made along with him. The game is called, “An Aimsir”, which means the weather in Irish. They begin to chat about Johnny’s love for Evelyn Cusack as Tubridy teases that he wishes she was with them in the studio. Music begins to play and Johnny turns to see the woman herself walk in. Amazed, he asks, “Did you get a taxi here?” Here’s the hilarious clip.
What are your favourite moments from the Toy Show? Let us know down in the comments!
