Ahead of the most magical night of Irish television, we caught up with Deaf interpreters Jason Maguire and Sarah Jane O'Regan to discuss the impact of their work on The Late Late Toy Show.
Earlier this week it was announced that The Late Late Toy Show will once again be available to watch with Irish Sign Langauge (ISL) on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player.
Deaf presenters Jason Maguire and Sarah Jane O'Regan will return for their second year as the show's on-screen presenters.
The duo will be working with hearing ISL interpreters Ciara Grant and Lisa-Harvey Coleman throughout the show in order to bring ISL (Ireland's third official language) to viewers across the country.
"My favourite part is watching Deaf children in the Toy Show," Sarah Jane told RTÉ Lifestyle (interpretated by Lisa Harvey Coleman). "Last year, it was just amazing to have a young Deaf girl start the show off, and for other Deaf children to see that and have that representation."
Describing host Patrick Kielty as "Irish Santa", the presenter insists that children she meets within the Deaf community are totally engrossed in the show, making inclusivity all the more important.
As for her favourite part? "Just the madness, the mayhem and the magic - and the children," Sarah signs. "You have to remember the Toy Show is about children. I'm really looking forward to seeing them tomorrow."
"Of course, all the kids with their big smiles showing their toys," adds Jason (interpreted by Ciara Grant). "All the chatter, the banter with the audience - really everything. It's such a great show, we're so excited."
Winding up our chat, O'Regan shared a heart-warming message to the Deaf children of Ireland:
"One day, maybe you can replace us. Get your Christmas jumpers ready!"
The Late Late Toy Show ISL will be available to stream shortly after the live broadcast and will be repeated in the ISL block on Wednesday, 11 December.
The show will be repeated on RTÉ One on Sunday, 8 December, with Audio Description at 3:05pm.
