The Late Late Toy Show was the most-watched Irish TV programme this year

A huge year for the annual highlight.

Did you watch The Late Late Toy Show on Friday? If not, here's a round-up of the main highlights. If so, did you cry? You did, go on, admit it. It was, indeed, emotional. Hugely popular, too, if figures released by RTÉ on Monday are anything to go by. According to the national broadcaster, over 1.7 million people tuned in to watch this year's edition of the Toy Show, making it the most-watched Irish television production of the year. That number is comprised of those who watched it live on RTÉ One, via the online RTÉ Player and the repeat airing on Saturday afternoon. "We have been totally taken aback by the response to The Late Late Toy Show on Friday," said host Ryan Tubridy. "We were just bowled over by the children, all of whom came out with these beautiful stories and lessons in life and above all else, a sense of kindness and warmth and innocence and childhood, which is the essence of The Late Late Toy Show experience. "The numbers are great, and the love and support is reflected in the texts and emails we have been getting from around the country and around the world from people who really seem to have connected with the show." Having promoted the use of the RTÉ Player across the world in advance, a total of 233,000 streams were recorded, coming from 100 different countries. "Months of preparation go into this complex and demanding show, and so to see The Late Late Toy Show touch so many people, all across Ireland, is especially welcome," said RTÉ Director of Content Jim Jennings. "Congratulations to the team, but of course extra special congratulations to the hundreds of young people who gave the best of themselves last Friday night."