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Theme for this year’s Late Late Toy Show announced

The theme for this year’s Late Late Toy Show has finally been announced – and it’s the beloved Christmas classic, Elf.

Patrick Kielty will be joined by Santa, Leon the Snowman, Papa Elf, and a whole host of workshop elves as they travel through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, past the sea of twirly-swirly gum drops, and journey through the Lincoln Tunnel for the most magical night on Irish television.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and this year’s show will have more than 170 young performers and toy testers taking part.

The children are from all over Ireland, and the youngest elf is just four years old.

Patrick Kielty said: “I am so excited for my first Toy Show and I am delighted to reveal that the theme for this year is an absolute Christmas classic - Elf, The Movie.

“Sitting down to watch it with all the family has become a big Christmas tradition in our house and I can’t wait to let Buddy and the elves loose in the Toy Show Workshop tonight.

“We’ve got some amazing kids, wonderful toys and lovely surprises coming your way. I really hope you have as much fun watching as we are going to have making it!”

The set for tonight comprises New York’s Central Park, The Toy Shop, Candy Cane Forest, and the film’s Post Office Workshop, created by RTÉ production designers.

The RTÉ Costume and Make-Up Departments have been kept busy making elf shoes, customised elf ears, and designing costumes with rich velvet colours.

There’s room for everyone on the Nice List, and tonight’s show is all about toys! Squishmallows, LEGO, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Bluey, Goo Jit Zu, Cookeez Makery, Biggies, Beast Lab, and Barbie Campervan are among some of the top offerings at Santa’s Toy Show workshop.

Sustainable toy options including Bio-glitter, PlayMais set, Geomag Race Track, Bio Buddi set, Green Beedz, and TOYI Upcycling Craft Kit also feature.

Plus, there will be cost-effective toy options such as Barbie Fashionista Dolls, ALDI Littletown Christmas Soft Stretchy toys and a toy DeLonghi Barista Coffee Machine – can it produce the ‘world’s best cup of coffee?’

As always, books will be prominent on the show, and a large majority of the featured children’s titles are by Irish authors.

Irish to feature include Arckit, CubeFun, 3D Model Croke Park, Little Angel Dollhouse and Holotoyz Tattoos, Antics Board Game, and a Bainisteoir Board Game.

Patrick and The Late Late Toy Show elves, big and small, will also have a few surprises up their sleeves for viewers and lucky audience members.

A list of the toys featured will be available on the show’s website www.rte.ie/latelate following the broadcast.

All toys featured on the night will be donated to charities.