Viewers dub this year’s Late Late Toy Show the ‘best ever’

'The best Toy Show I’ve watched in years'

Patrick Kielty embraced the Christmas spirit wholeheartedly, appearing in an impressively realistic Grinch costume for his third, and possibly last, Toy Show as host.

Appearances of high-profile Irish stars helped make the show a magical experience for global audiences.

Among the famous faces were Roy Keane, CMAT, Shane Lowry, and Kingfishr, with other special guests also joining in on the fun.

The kick start this year's show, the 'Grinch' crashed the RTE studio in an unforgettable Late Late Toy Show opening.

It appeared as if Kielty had been studying the infamous green humbug for years, as he had his mannerisms down to a tee as he zip-lined into the Donnybrook set to greet the audience and the over one million viewers watching from home.

The host was then joined by children from across the country, dressed as the beloved residents of Whoville, dancing to Elton John’s classic Step into Christmas.

The set looked like something straight from the pages of Dr Seuss, featuring whimsical houses and a town square.

The opening of the show was narrated by none other than actor Liam Neeson, who had recorded a voice-over for the show.

Speaking after his thrilling opening performance, Kielty said: "Coming to you this year, live from Whoville! Yep! As in, who’s that complete eejit dressed as the Grinch? So, whoever you are, whoever you’re with – it’s time for some fun.

"It’s December the fifth and wherever you’re watching with whoever is dear, we say, beelin’ to the night of the year.

"Now I know what you’re thinking, and you’re probably right, that if I keep speaking in rhyme, this is going to be a very long night.

"But don’t worry, folks, that’s not going to be happening. No, we do have a huge night of fun ahead. We have amazing kids like these guys helping us save Christmas and kick off our show.

"Let’s hear it for all the Mooses, the Meeses, the Mares, the Mini Grinches and the Munchies.

"As always, we’re going to raise money for some amazing charities with the Toy Show appeal, and as you’ve all been so good, all been so good this year, we’ve got some incredible guests joining us to make some big dreams come true.

"We’re also joined by 200 guests whose dreams have already come true. They have a ticket for the Toy Show."

Fans of the show were quick to praise this year's edition online.

With one writing: "TV GOLD. Well done to all involved. Best Toy Show ever."

Another added: "I have to say that was the best Toy Show I’ve watched in years," while a third wrote: "Brilliant Toy Show tonight. Four adults in my house, we all loved it. Laughed and cried. Well done all."