Record-breaking numbers tune in to Toy Show

The Late Late Toy Show once again proved that it's not just a festive favourite with the kids as record-breaking viewer ratings gave everyone in RTÉ cause for seasonal celebrations today.

Figures released by the national broadcaster revealed that an average TV audience of nearly 1.4 million people tuned in to catch a glimpse of host Ryan Tubridy’s Christmas capers, with a peak audience of over 2 million seeing it coast into top spot for the year.

While such figures have remained relatively static over recent years, the Toy Show's enduring popularity saw it easily topple previous records set in 2014 by events such as the World Cup final (857,000 viewer average) and the much-anticipated season finale of Love/Hate (1,000,000 viewers) last month.

Although the TV3-equivalent Christmas Toy Show received a Brian McFadden-induced boost in ratings this year, the former Westlife singer's presenting debut was overshadowed by a cameo appearance from Ed Sheeran which helped the Late Late Toy Show claim over three times as many viewers as its recent competitor.

Attracting a massive 71 per cent audience share, RTÉ's Toy Show also received a significant boost from viewers worldwide as 150,000 online streams helped beam the programme across the globe. As could be expected, the UK, US and Australia were the most popular destinations for streaming, with this year's total representing an increase of 30,000 compared to 2013.

269 child performers and toy testers helped to create another captivating spectacle this year, and presenter Tubridy was keen to stress that it was all about them.

"I'm delighted with the viewership figures and would like to thank everyone who tuned in to watch the Late Late Toy Show. It's a bonkers programme and I love presenting it. But it's the children who make the show what it is and the whole experience more fun and special for everyone," said the regular Late Late Show host, who stepped onto the Toy Show stage for a sixth time last Friday.