Get ready for a Christmas spectacle like no other—The Late Late Toy Show is back, and this year, it’s getting a Grinch-sized twist! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Patrick Kielty’s transformation into the iconic Dr. Seuss character a festive delight or a daring departure from tradition? Let’s dive in.
The countdown is on for Ireland’s most beloved Christmas TV event, with County Down’s own Patrick Kielty at the helm for his third year. Tonight, he’s not just hosting—he’s stealing the show, quite literally, by dressing up as The Grinch. Kielty, however, doesn’t see this as a high-pressure gig. Instead, he feels ‘really lucky’ to be part of a show that spreads so much joy. And he’s not alone in his excitement.
Maire, a young performer from Magilligan, County Londonderry, calls this opportunity ‘a dream come true.’ After her mother sent a video of her singing to RTÉ, Maire was selected to perform, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. ‘I’ve been singing since I was tiny,’ she shared with BBC News NI. ‘I can’t reveal what I’m doing, but I’ll be singing to millions—it’s going to be out of this world.’
The Late Late Toy Show is more than just a program; it’s an annual tradition that unites households across Ireland. Children test the latest toys, giving their unfiltered opinions, while dozens of young talents from Northern Ireland and the Republic showcase their singing and dancing skills. For Maire, it’s a chance to inspire others. ‘I hope young girls watching realize that dreams can come true if you pursue music or dance,’ she said.
And this is the part most people miss: The show’s parade, featuring children from all 32 counties, is a brilliant celebration of unity. As Kielty put it, ‘It brings everybody together, no matter where they’re from.’ Last year, Brian Óg from Tyrone stole the spotlight, proving that every province has its moment to shine.
But let’s talk about Kielty’s Grinch transformation. Since taking over as presenter in 2023, he’s embraced Christmas movie themes, from Elf to Home Alone. This year, however, he’s spending three hours in the makeup chair to become the green humbug. ‘Let’s see what happens,’ he joked, adding that removing the look takes another hour and a half. Bold claim: Some might say he’s already got the Grinch’s facial expressions down pat—but Kielty playfully pushes back on that idea.
Adding to the excitement, Ballymena native Liam Neeson has recorded a special voiceover for the show’s opening. With such star power and Kielty’s creative flair, this year’s Toy Show promises to be unforgettable.
So, is Kielty’s Grinch persona a stroke of genius or a risky move? And what does it say about the show’s evolving traditions? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears! Tune in on Friday, December 5th, at 21:35 GMT on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player to see the magic unfold. Will you be watching? 🎄✨
