Grinch takes over Late Late Show Toy Show
Patrick Kielty and a troop of talented kids from all over Ireland blew the roof off Studio Four with a high-energy, joy-packed opening performance of Step into Christmas to kick off the 50th anniversary Late Late Toy Show.
This year’s theme? The Grinch. The iconic, green, fuzzy curmudgeon made famous by Jim Carrey 25 years ago, and brilliantly brought to life by Kielty himself tonight.
The studio buzzed with festive chaos, tinsel everywhere, Santa hats on every head, and audience members going all-in with costumes ranging from elves to full-blown Christmas characters. The place was pure Christmas magic.
Patrick Kielty dressed as the Grinch pictured during the opening of The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
The children of St Ita’s Special School in Drogheda joined Patrick Kielty to launch the Toy Show Appeal, the annual fundraiser that delivers millions to support vulnerable kids across Ireland.
A powerhouse lineup of young musicians, singers, and dancers lit up the stage, shredding on electric guitars, pounding out rhythms on the drums, and dancing their sparkly socks off to the song of the year, APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Host Patrick Kielty as RTÉ revealed the theme of this year’s Late Late Toy Show. Pic: Andres Poveda
Speaking to Extra.ie, Kielty laughed at the notion that being immersed in Christmas mode from early autumn might turn him into a seasonal Scrooge.
Patrick Kielty may be stepping into Who-ville tonight as The Late Late Toy Show unveils its Grinch-inspired extravaganza, but the host insists that months of festive preparation haven’t dulled his Christmas spirit; if anything, they’ve amplified it.
Speaking to Extra.ie, Kielty laughed at the notion that being immersed in Christmas mode from early autumn might turn him into a seasonal Scrooge.
‘What’s brilliant about the Toy Show is that it actually allows me to be prepped for Christmas,’ he said.
With two sons aged seven and almost 10, Kielty is living day to day with the exact energy level that is filling the Toy Show stage tonight. That, he admits, gives him an advantage when the nation’s most excitable children take over the studio.
The show is off to a cracking start and promises loads of surprises and treats as the night goes on.
Wherever you are, enjoy the show.
