Ryan Tubridy made a convincing Scarecrow as Ireland’s most-watched Christmas telly proved there’s no place like home with a Wizard of Oz special.
The Scarecrow is the character who famously only wants a brain, but Tubs seemed to have his own with him.
He ran through yet another spectacular opening routine with Dorothy played by Carlow girl Ali Sheehan, 10, and Toto the dog as himself flanked by the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
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A total of 200 munchkins, fairies, witches, dragons, monkeys, singers and dancers participated in the movie medley.
Tubs also joined the Spotlight Stage School performers for a rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic Let It Snow amid a fake blizzard.
Ryan then donned his most garish Christmas shirt once more to host the annual institution that is The Late Late Toy Show for the 14th time.
He breathlessly told the breathless: “This is what happens when a pandemic ends. Welcome everyone to the wonderful land of Oz!
“All roads but especially the Yellow Brick Road lead to the Toy Show. Welcome back to a full audience
“To you at home whether tucked up on the couch in Carndonagh, or sitting with the cousins in Kinnegad or on the beanbags in Ballyconeely, you’re also welcome to the most wonderful night of the year.”
Juliette Maguire, 9, from Newbridge, Kildare, said the opening song and dance routine was always her favourite part of the Toy Show and she was thrilled to participate this year. She revealed: “There’s something about every opening scene in the Toy Show. It’s just magical.”
Tubs said: “I think it’s the nicest set I’ve ever seen. It’s indulgent and it’s a joy. It’s been a tough few years for everybody.
“It’s still tough. And this is like a splash of a rainbow in a grey world.”
The youngest toy testers and performers flocked from all corners of Ireland to take part last night with the youngest aged just four. Last year, just 50 people were permitted for the recording, but last night, there was a full audience for what are the most sought-after Late Late tickets of the year.
RTE set designers spent weeks preparing the massive Emerald City and yellow brick road-themed set.
Toys were sent in from retailers nationwide and those tested by kids on the show will be donated to charities in time for Christmas.
This year, the toys most in demand were Squishmallows, new LEGO Sets, Gabby’s Dollhouse, the Play Doh Ice Cream Truck, DJ Beat Boxer and Jurassic Park Baby Blue.
However, there was also an effort to bring more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives into the frame.
These included the 3D Model Croke Park and Arket, DluluKaloo wooden toys on display in the biggest storefront in the country, along with Irish-made toys such as Quillows, CubeFun and Holotoyz.
Last year’s Late Late special, which had a Lion King-theme, recorded its highest TV audience with 1.8 million viewers, including catchup, tuning in. The Late Late Toy Show began in 1975 as a half-hour slot at the end of the regular show as a way to give parents some Christmas gift ideas while their kids were sleeping.
More than €6.6million was raised for children’s charities during last year’s show.
- Donations can again be made via www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal and also through the donations tab on the Revolut app.
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