RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show was watched by more than 1.6 million viewers with a new record for digital streams.
Hosted by Co Down-born presenter Patrick Kielty, this year’s show featured a Home Alone theme with more than 250 children involved in toy demonstrations, Wicked performances and the inaugural Toy Show County Parade.
Figures from RTÉ reveal that the average TV viewing for Friday night’s show was over 1.6 million, including catch-up viewing on Saturday and Sunday and the repeat broadcast.
Across the weekend, RTÉ Player broke their Toy Show record with 622,000 streams in Ireland and abroad, including Irish Sign Language streams.
Audiences from 139 countries including streams from all 50 states in America and all eight Australian territories tuned in to see Brian Óg’s karaoke moment, Kevin and his Leitrim half dozen and Zara sharing her space facts.
Around 21% of live streams came from outside of Ireland.
Kielty, who during the show emulated Home Alone character Kevin McCallister, a Christmas tree and a wrestler, said: “I can’t believe it’s over for another year, but I’m still buzzing from a magical Toy Show last Friday night.
“The incredible amount our audience watching at home gave to the Toy Show Appeal this year is mind blowing and the difference it will make to kids and their families up, down and across Ireland is truly humbling.”
Audiences showed their generosity with donations to the Toy Show Appeal raising €4.9 million this year, with children’s charities across Ireland to benefit over the next year.
Denise Charlton from the Community Foundation Ireland said: “The huge generosity of The Late Late Toy Show viewers will transform young lives in every county.
“On behalf of the Community Foundation and our voluntary, community and charitable partners, I want to sincerely thank everyone who took part in this truly magical television moment.”
