TUBS TOY JOY

1.7 million viewers tune in for RTE Christmas hit

RYAN Tubridy was celebrating yesterday after it was revealed The Late Late Toy Show had its biggest audience in years.

Friday’s programme reached 1.7 million viewers and lived up to its billing as one of the highlights of the Irish TV calendar.

Tubs said: “The numbers are great, and the love and support is reflected in the texts and emails we have been getting from around the country.”

A MASSIVE 1.7million people tuned into this year’s Late Late Toy Show – the highest figure in years.

Host Ryan Tubridy was celebrating after it was revealed the Frozen-themed programme was watched live on Friday night by an average audience of 1.35 million, up from 1.3 million last year.

There were a further 134,000 viewers on

Saturday afternoon on RTE One. An additional 233,000 people streamed it on RTE Player over the weekend.

Tubs said yesterday: “We were just bowled over by the children, all of whom came out with these beautiful stories and lessons in life and above all else, a sense of kindness and warmth and innocence and childhood, which is the essence of The Late Late Toy Show experience.

“The numbers are great, and the love and support is reflected in the texts and emails we have been getting from around the country and around the world from people who really seem to have connected with the show.”

The must-see broadcast of the Irish television calendar captured the hearts of viewers at home and abroad at the weekend, addressing a range of issues including bullying and homelessness.

RTE director general Dee Forbes said: “At its core were the stories and experiences of some remarkable kids – the nation listened, and we witnessed a huge outpouring of support across social media.”

A REAL HOOT Ryan Tubridy on Friday

STARMAN Ryan Tubridy