There is something magical about Toy Show Night. The magical Friday night in November when every Irish person, whether they live on the island or have moved away, becomes a big kid.

I’ve tried to explain the Late Late Toy Show to a few friends from other countries and they stare at me in disbelief. “So it’s a current affairs/light entertainment show the rest of the year, with interviews with politicians, sports stars, authors, and actors but on one night of the year they totally change the set - filling it with toys and imagination, dress up the presenter in silly Christmas clothes, invite in kids (chosen by nationwide auditions) to perform song and dance numbers, and review the best toys for Christmas?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s fun....

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