Patrick Kielty has gotten his first Late Late Toy Show out of the way and by all accounts, he smashed it.
The County Down native stepped into Ryan Tubridy's elf shoes for the biggest Irish TV event of the year, just 10 weeks after taking the helm as host of the Late Late Show.
With a solemn mood hanging over the nation in recent days, Kielty started on just the right note at the beginning, telling the audience that he was "thinking of every family that needs an extra hug tonight".
Surrounded by children who had just performed an energetic opening number, the show had to go on and it soon became clear that Kielty was a natural in the role.
Recent Toy Shows have been all about capturing those viral celeb moments but this time around in seemed like a more scaled-down affair, with the kids given space to take centre stage.
☘️💚 @IrishRugby #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/UEcv83PoCQ
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 24, 2023
Patrick Kielty shines in Toy Show role
Matilda star Alisha Weir and Ireland rugby pair Peter O'Mahony and Bundee Aki were the only famous faces who turned up, although much to the delight of the kids who they interacted with.
Even the closing surprises seemed less over-the-top than in previous years. Firstly, a grandmother in the studio audience was reunited with her family from Australia, and while it was a touching moment, the programme then moved swiftly along, allowing them the time to catch up away from the glare of the RTÉ cameras.
Then there was the news that young Sophie was heading to Disneyland, with the revelation coming from Kielty himself, rather than a star-name who could have attracted a lot more views on social media.
The Indo are calling Kielty's turn as host a 'triumph,' while the Irish Times commended him for 'putting his own stamp on the show.'
Over on X, people seemed to be equally impressed with the new toy man, and they made their feelings known throughout the night.
Credit to Patrick Kielty hosting his first #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/BqWyMsiDbO
— Estebantz (@ActingTheGom) November 25, 2023
A real sense of warmth about that Toy Show tonight. Patrick Kielty was superb. Listened and engaged so well with the little superstars.
Freya is a little legend ⭐️— Conan Byrne (@conanbyrnecb7) November 25, 2023
How good was Patrick Kielty last night? Thought he did a fantastic job, felt like the old days with Gaybo. #LateLateToyShow
— Will Downing (@WillDowningComm) November 25, 2023
Patrick Kielty smashed it.
Respectful of the children, not encouraging them to act out. Interested in them, giving them time.
Not flinging toys about the place.
Best toy show in years.#thetoyshow pic.twitter.com/97XFLirWZ4— Ross Hamilton 🐄☎️🐄☎️🐑🦃🐓 (@RossHamiltonG) November 25, 2023
Solid toy show tonight, Patrick Kielty absolutely smashed it #LateLateToyShow
— Michael Fry (@BigDirtyFry) November 25, 2023
Kudos to P Kielty and the @RTELateLateShow - knocking it out of the park tonight. The fabulous kids - front and centre - lifting spirits nationwide. RTÉ at its best - just when we needed it.
— Helen O'Rahilly (@HelenORahilly) November 24, 2023
My sources, those a few months younger, tell me the Late Late toy show was a huge success and that Patrick Kielty did a magnificent job. Congrats!
— Michael O'Regan (@Michael_O_Regan) November 25, 2023
Going into last night’s Late Late Toy Show our kids main concern was that Patrick Kielty would ruin it and that it would make or break him.
Well, he got a big 10/10, they reckon it was the best one in years. Well done, test passed👍🏻👏🏻🎅🏼— John Brady TD (@johnbradysf) November 25, 2023
To top it all off, Toy Show Appeal raised over €3.1 million on the night, as Ireland showed the kind of generosity it has always been known for, amid a dark week.
