The third time really was the charm for host Patrick Kielty - and us - as he presided over one of the best Late Late Toy Shows in recent memory. Here are 10 of our favourite moments from the still-tops TV treat, forever young as it turns 50.
The opening number
The Toy Show opening number also comes but once a year, and as the Grinch himself would say, it left us "all toasty inside". Narrated with gravelly gusto by Liam Neeson and then soundtracked with Step into Christmas, the song-and-dance extravaganza starred "complete eejit" Patrick Kielty as The Grinch and a host of co-stars having the best night of their young lives. Full of colour and giddy laughter, it left our hearts feeling, well, three sizes too big.
Declan from Cork talks prehistory, poops, and putting - with a cameo by Shane Lowry
Talk about a takeover! It was star quality from the get-go with the first toy tester Declan, aged six, from Cork. Having enlisted Patrick's help to hatch baby dinosaurs - that's another thing ticked off the host's bingo card - Declan was only getting started. At some length, the golf nut then explained to Patrick how he had repurposed his baby potty to help him with his putting! By way of bonhomie, he also told Patrick: "When you're feeling down, you can cuddle up with your Christmas poo and think of me." You couldn't wipe the smile off Patrick's face. And as Declan showed off his on-the-green skills, there was a surprise in store: a personally recorded message from his golfing hero, Shane Lowry, and an invite to join the Offaly man at the Irish Open next year, and the autographs of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team.
BFFs Dylan and Keelan Part One: The message from Lewis Capaldi
The Toy Show is the biggest telly night of the year, and it was all a little bit too much at the start for Dubliner Keelan, but he recovered like a pro and treated the audience to a cover of Lewis Capaldi's Someone You Loved. And Patrick had another trick up the sleeve of his Christmas jumper - a video message from the Scottish singer, who is currently on tour in Australia. Wishing his two young fans all the best, Lewis also invited Dylan and Keelan to be his "VIP guests for the day" at his Marlay Park gig next summer. Dylan and Keelan were in bits in the best way with the news, sharing a tissue, and then passing it on to Patrick, who, like the rest of us, needed a moment too.
BFFs Dylan and Keelan Part Two: The advice from Roy Keane
The two lads were back after the break to win toys for kids in hospital - and Manchester United fan Keelan's night was about to get even better. Enter Roy Keane to make his Toy Show debut! His advice to the two young competitors? Wait for it... "Do your jobs!" Dylan and Keelan made the Tower of Toys look easy, won loads, and Roy grinned that grin.
Kingfishr and 'The Killeagh Kids'
A rousing rendition of Kingfishr anthem Killeagh from the singers and musicians of the All-Ireland All Stars went into overdrive when the trio themselves arrived from 'round the back to join in. Cue a chorus that had its share of tears. "They gave us a run for our money!" said singer Eddie Keogh afterwards. "We spent our whole childhoods in exactly this way watching it (The Toy Show) forever and ever. To be out here and to have something like this is just the honour of our lives." Kingfishr also put aside 75 tickets for 'The Killeagh Kids' to join them at their Malahide Castle show next summer. Now, will they be back on stage with them next June?
Dancers' Delight
Brother and sister George and Ophelia from Waterford showcased some serious moves to The Sugarhill Gang's banger for the ages, Rapper's Delight. And after the shoutouts, Ophelia revealed that she'd recently lost her tooth - and found a fan club the length and breadth of the country.
Liverpool superfan Layla and Conor Bradley's invite
Liverpool superfan Layla from Kildare rubbed plenty of salt in Man U devotee Patrick's wounds - all in good Toy Show fun, of course! And after a showcase of football skills and Kop knowledge, Layla was gobsmacked to hear the voice of Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley. The Tyrone man announced via video message that Layla would be going to Anfield - to be the mascot at a game. Different class, indeed.
Aryan: book reviewer and Irish dancer extraordinaire
Nerves? Not a bit of them! Seven-year-old Aryan from Dublin delivered word-perfect book reviews. But he wasn't done there, as he then took to the floor and showed off his Irish dancing! And what would be the perfect Toy Show present for Aryan and his fellow book reviewers, Bonnie and Jake, after all their hard work? Only a trip to Harry Potter World for a two-night stay. Ah yes, all was well.
The Virgin Mary Girls' National School Choir and CMAT
A little before 10pm on Friday, the Virgin Mary Girls' National School Choir were watching the Toy Show in their classroom on Dublin's northside. Suddenly, the cameras appeared, and they were told there was a bus outside to bring them to the Toy Show - where they'd be performing for the country! And so, at the end of a super shindig, the choir knocked it out of the studio with their rendition of CMAT's Stay for Something. What could be better? Well, how about a specially recorded message from CMAT down the road in the 3Arena? CMAT said she couldn't be there because of her gig, but then she made a Toy Show wish of her own - and appeared beside Patrick! "My make-up artist has spent a very long time on this make-up, so if I cry, I will get in a lot of trouble," she said. "So, I can't look at these children, because it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my life. That was so amazing." Having as much fun as the girls, CMAT should be asked back every year. Co-host? Hmmm...
Over €4 million raised
The bit where YOU were the star of the show - or still can be. As he signed off, Patrick Kielty revealed that The Toy Show Appeal total near midnight was a whopping €4,003,179 and counting. There's still time to donate at: www.rte.ie/toy-show-appeal.
The Late Late Toy Show is on RTÉ One again on Sunday at 3:10pm, and you can also catch up now on RTÉ Player.
