How Ireland's beloved Late Late Toy Show almost never happened

Although it has become a major symbol of Christmas and a festive staple in many Irish households, the Late Late Toy Show almost never happened.

In 1974, when the idea of a toy segment featuring on the Late Late Show was pitched to Gay Bryne by senior researcher Pan Collins, the then host and producer was simply not impressed.

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Pan had been walking past Nimble Fingers toy shop in Stillorgan when divine inspiration hit her and the idea of the Toy Show was born in her mind.

The following week, she gathered information and notes on her brainchild and pitched the idea to Gay but to no avail.

Gay Byrne and Dustin on Late Late Toy Show in 1997 Pic: RTÉ

However, knowing deep down the idea was a good one, Pan next went to Gay’s right-hand-woman Maura Connolly, who acted as the presenter’s special assistant, programme executive, and artist liaison officer.

Pan had been hoping Maura, who coined the show’s now famous ‘aaaand there’s one for everybody in the audience’ catchphrase, could help her persuade Gay into giving the idea the go-ahead.

‘So Pan asked me to go for a coffee, and said “Will you back me up if I bring it up again?” and I did. I said to Gay, “Look, what does Christmas mean? It is really a huge time for children and parents of children, and I think it would be a lovely idea, and I support Pan,”‘ Maura recalled to The Irish Independent.

Thankfully, Gay finally said yes!

Late Late Toy Show Sophie

Despite the host’s obvious doubts, the toy segment was a smash hit with viewers and was the highest-rating section of any show across the entire season.

It proved so popular that when it was brought back the following year, it became a special in itself. Now, 49 years later, The Late Late Toy show remains a highlight of Christmas in Ireland and pulls in around 1.7 million viewers each year.

Although a toy extravaganza these days, in the 70s the show was a much smaller affair with Pan being in charge of organising the entire thing.

‘The office became the place for holding a lot of toys and when it became impossible, the spill went over to Pan’s apartment and my home,’ Maura revealed. ‘Our sitting room used to be turned over.’