The kids may have just gone back to school today but it's never too early to kick off the excitement for The Late Late Toy Show and today the country's favourite festive programme put out the call for talented youngsters to take part.
Last year for the first time the Toy Show held auditions around the country and this year they're heading back on the road again looking for talented performers, singers, dancers and comedians who can enchant the nation and keep Ryan Tubridy on his toes.
Last year's talent search certainly delivered. After all who could forget the rapping farmer, Fionn, who became a viral sensation with his sick rhymes, tractor-enthusiast Michael from Tipperary who gave us the catchphrase of the year "Fear the Deere" or Johnny from Clare's meet and greet with his idol Evelyn Cusack.
Today the Toy Show team are urging kids and their parents to get their application in for this year's show which moves from its traditional slot in late November to early December.
In a statement they said:
This year's Toy Show takes place on Friday December 2nd and we're on the look out for the children who help make it a magical night. So, if there is a young person in your life who is a natural in front of camera, a talented performer, comedian or just an all round show-off, we want to hear from you!
We're also looking for performing groups, dancers, bands, choirs and singers from all over the country.
So anyone who feels they've got what it takes can log on to www.rte.ie/tv/latelate/ and download an application form and send it, along with a DVD or USB key, before the closing date of October 3rd.
Tubs recently said that last year's auditions threw up some real talent and helped to take away some of the Dublin bias from previous years' shows.
"I am very excited - we're taking the Late Late Toy Show on the road because it worked for us last year," he said. "We travelled around the country finding kids that weren't from Dublin and we enjoyed doing that because it felt more inclusive."
