Northern Ireland

Applications for The Late Late Toy Show 2023 now open

Comedian Patrick Kielty has shared a photograph of himself as a young boy as applications for The Late Late Toy Show 2023 open
Comedian Patrick Kielty has shared a photograph of himself as a young boy as applications for The Late Late Toy Show 2023 open

Applications for The Late Late Toy Show 2023 are now open, RTÉ has announced.

The countdown to the broadcaster's annual Christmas show has begun with the search underway for this year's "Toy Show superstars".

The application process for child performers and toy demonstrators from across the island of Ireland opened on Monday.

RTÉ said it wants to "meet the best of Ireland’s young singers, dancers, musicians, performers, and toy connoisseurs".

Comedian Patrick Kielty will host this year's Christmas show after he was announced as successor to Ryan Tubridy earlier this year.

Sharing a photograph of himself as a young boy, the new host recalled his memories of Christmas growing up in Co Down.

Patrick Kielty is taking over the Late Late Show. Picture/RTÉ
Patrick Kielty is taking over the Late Late Show. Picture/RTÉ

“Many moons ago in Dundrum, Co Down this cheeky monkey had a Christmas jumper, a John Denver haircut and a dream," he said.

"But never in his wildest did he think that one day, he’d host The Late Late Toy Show.

Read more:

Date announced for Patrick Kielty's first Late Late Show

Down GAA leads congratulations after Patrick Kielty named new Late Late Show host

Patrick Kielty will broadcast BBC radio show from Belfast just hours after Late Late Show

“Today we start the search for this year’s dreamers - the next generation of Toy Show superheroes.

"So, if you think you have what it takes to be part of this year’s Late Late Toy Show, we want to hear from you.

"No matter who you are or where you’re from just tell us why you should be joining me for my very first Late Late Toy Show and, you never know, it might just happen.

“Keep dreaming. And dream big. Because sometimes, dreams come true!”

Applications may be submitted to: www.rte.ie/latelate and the closing date is October 1.