An Irish grandmother's emotional reunion with her family for the first time in six years was one of the standout moments of the Late Late Toy Show on Friday night.
Audience member Carol O'Brien hadn't seen her daughter Joanne, son-in-law Richard, or grandchildren Ben and Eva since the family moved to Perth six years ago.
Midway through Friday's show, host Patrick Kielty, who was making his debut as Late Late Toy Show host, announced that there was a hamper prize for everyone in the audience, "except one person".
Sitting beside Carol and her daughter Bernice, Kielty surprised Carol with a short video message from her family in Australia.
Carol seemed overwhelmed by the message, but the surprises didn't end there.
Kielty announced that Carol's family was waiting for her behind a large Christmas tree, leading to an emotional reunion on stage.
"Not a dry eye here. Enjoy folks, so special," a Toy Show viewer said on social media.
The rare occasion of someone has actually COME BACK from Australia ?#LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/U0hK3BPfuk
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 24, 2023
Meanwhile, Irish rugby players Bundee Aki and Peter O'Mahony surprised rugby fanatic Stevie Mulrooney as the youngster led the audience in a rendition of "Ireland's Call".
The duo quietly appeared on stage unbeknown to Stevie as he belted out the anthem.
Aki and O'Mahony joined Stevie "shoulder to shoulder" as he continued singing, causing him to audibly gasp mid-song.
"It's the best day of my life," Stevie said, as Aki and O'Mahony presented him with a signed Irish rugby jersey and tickets to Ireland versus Italy in the Six Nations next year.
☘️? @IrishRugby #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/UEcv83PoCQ
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 24, 2023
Seven-year-old Sheamie from County Clare left viewers in stitches as he stole the show on Friday night.
Sheamie, who seemed to be seven-going-on-70, cracked jokes like an old man throughout his brief cameo on the show, with viewers calling for the youngster to get his own show.
'But before we start chatting Patrick, do you mind if I say something quick to you?'
And with one question, Sheamie took his place on Toy Show Mount Rushmore. #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/aMSSSJtDwG
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 24, 2023
Eight-year-old Sophie from County Tipperary, who spent much of the year in hospital, had auditioned for the Toy Show but had to settle for a watch-along party with family and friends in Dublin instead, or so she thought.
Kielty addressed Sophie at the party and told her that a "magic bus" was waiting outside to take her to RTÉ Studios and appear on the show.
The surprises didn't end there for Sophie, who received a week-long trip to Disney World in Florida during her appearance on the show.
Kielty, meanwhile, received rave reviews for his performance on Friday night, especially for an opening monologue that discreetly, yet poignantly, referred to a shocking knife attack in Dublin on Thursday, which was followed by violent rioting by anti-immigrant demonstrators.
"Given the events of the last 24 hours, it is important to remember what this time of year is all about, and that is holding your kids tight this Christmas. We are thinking of every family who needs an extra hug tonight," Kielty said on Friday.
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