Former Late Late Toy Show stars have urged this year's performers to enjoy every second, expect the unexpected and remember that their big moment may reappear online for many years to come.
Have as much fun as you can because you'll only get to do it once - but be prepared for your idol to surprise you! That's some of the advice being given to the hundreds of children who are preparing to take part in this year's Late Late Toy Show tomorrow.
Former participants Sean McGoey, Hailey Golden and Toby Kane have been speaking about their big night and what they would say to tomorrow night’s performers.
Getting the audition
Among the book reviewers in 2010 was seven-year-old Sean McGoey. He reviewed a book called Dirty Bertie to much laughter from the audience. Fifteen years later, he still clearly remembers the experience.
"I just remember the place was manic," says Sean. "It was so exciting. I was only seven at the time."
He managed to get an audition for the Toy Show after the electricity went in his house the year before, just as they were about to sit down to watch the Toy Show.
"Our power went at home," he says, "so we didn't get to watch it. I remember Mam promising me and my sisters that we would definitely get to see it next year because she would get us on it."
His mother sent a letter to the Toy Show team and they got an audition.
He remembers being at the auditions and sitting in one of the green rooms when Dáithí O’Sé walked by.
"That was good enough for us," he says. "If we never got anywhere else after that, we were happy."
But they were picked. "We were from a small village," he says, "and everyone was looking forward to it and we were in the local paper and all that."
Surprise duet
Not everyone gets to sing a duet with a global superstar, but in 2021 Hailey Golden got a surprise on the Toy Show and did just that. As part of a choir featuring children who benefited from the Toy Show Appeal, she got to sing with Ed Sheeran.
"I was really proud to represent the young carers of Family Carers Ireland," she says. "We thought it would be the host singing with us but then we got the lovely surprise that it was him and it was great, everyone was so excited."
"It was lovely, I was out of this world, I couldn't believe it," she says. She also remembers how special they all felt in the choir.
"The atmosphere and the beautiful set: it was such a magical experience."
Hailey is now studying for her Leaving Cert. She still performs and says that she hopes to work with music in the future.
"Music is my absolute passion," she says. "I plan to go into third level to study music therapy to help autistic people like my brothers because I've seen the positive impact that it has."
Overwhelmed by his idols
Sometimes being surprised by your idols can be overwhelming, as was the case for Toby Kane in 2003.
"I was only four at the time," he says, "so I was there to demonstrate a karaoke machine."
He says he had practised a song from his favourite band, Girls Aloud. But little did he know the members of the band would surprise him during his performance.
"I was ready to sing my Girls Aloud song, my favourite song at the time, my favourite band. Little did I know they were going to come out and surprise me and start singing the song with me," he says.
"I was really overwhelmed and it's on YouTube and it kind of comes back to haunt me every year. I had practised and practised and practised, I was ready for my moment," he says.
He remembers smelling lovely perfume behind him and realising they were there.
"I was absolutely thrown," he says.
"I was their biggest fan ever so I just couldn't believe that they were standing there in front of me and now, looking back, I wish I had a better reaction but I was just so overwhelmed in that moment."
Toby went on to perform in a number of TV shows and on stage, but did not pursue a career in music.
"I was on various TV shows including Dustin’s Daily News and also performed in local shows and in the theatre. I do still sing in the shower," he jokes, "but no number one hits yet."
Advice for this year
So what advice do they have for those taking part this year?
"Just give it your all," says Toby. "Don’t be shy. It’s the most amazing experience and you’ll always have it to look back on so just enjoy it. But if your idol’s going to pop out behind you - just be ready for it!"
"Enjoy every single moment, and enjoy being a part of the magic of the night," says Hailey, "and just realise that everyone is going to be so, so proud of you."
"Have as much fun as you can," says Sean, "because you’ll only get to do it once."
He says every year at this time the clip of his appearance emerges.
"It’ll always pop up," he says. "I know in my own football group at home, in the players’ group chat, the video gets sent in every single year around about half-nine, ten o’clock on Friday evening. The message will come in asking me am I on again next year."
"So whoever’s on it," he says, "just make sure you don’t do anything too embarrassing because you might see it again in 20 years’ time!"
