The Elf-themed Late Late Toy Show broke records on the RTE Player as it was watched by viewers across the globe.
Patrick Kielty's debut raked in a massive 1.7m viewers, becoming the most watched programme of 2023 so far. An incredible €3.6 million for the Toy Show Appeal as audiences from an unprecedented 147 countries worldwide streamed the annual extravaganza.
Host Patrick Kielty said: “I’m still coming back down to earth from an amazing night last Friday. I want to express huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Late Late Toy Show so special.
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"To all of you who watched, to the brilliant kids who brought their magic and put a giant smile on all of our faces. And, to every last one of you who gave so generously to our Toy Show Appeal – you have made a massive difference to so many children’s lives – thank you! Being part of it is something I will never forget – a forever night!”
On the over €3.6 million raised from the Toy Show Appeal since Friday night, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland said: “The extraordinary generosity of Toy Show viewers will ensure the magic continues long after the Christmas decorations come down. Hundreds of thousands of children will have their lives transformed.
"There will be more essential supports including food, clothing, therapy as well as health and wellbeing services. In addition, play and creativity will become more accessible to all.
"The Foundation will work with leading child advocates and our partners in RTÉ to begin the process of distributing the Toy Show fund to every county. For now, our message to viewers is Thank You!”
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