The theme of this year’s Late Late Toy Show has been revealed as host Ryan Tubridy and a cast of hundreds prepare for the most magical night on Irish television.
A million dreams will be keeping viewers awake tonight as The Late Late Toy Show does The Greatest Showman. The Late Late Toy Show airs tonight, Friday, November 30, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One, and will be available to watch worldwide for free on RTÉ Player.
Host Ryan Tubridy said: “Having The Greatest Showman as our theme this year is helping to emphasise the essence of what I believe the Toy Show should be – inclusive. This year we are celebrating the kid who doesn’t get Snapchatted, or who doesn’t always have someone to sit beside on the bus. These kids aren’t lonely or unhappy, they just find joy in their own way. This year’s show will be wrapped up in kindness and warmth and humour, so, as the song goes, see you on The Other Side!”
This year’s Late Late Toy Show boasts a huge cast with more than 200 young performers and over 30 talented toy testers taking part. The children come from all over Ireland with the youngest just three and a half-years-old
As always, Ryan and the Late Late Toy Show elves have a few surprises up their sleeves and all will be revealed as the show goes on.
The circus themed set has been created by RTÉ production designers Marcella Power and Caroline Wade, and the elves in the RTÉ Costume and Make-Up Departments have been busy rewriting the stars over the past weeks as they ready the cast for Friday’s spectacular.
As with every Late Late Toy Show, a number of charities have nominated children to experience the magic of the set for themselves in advance of tonight’s show. This year children from LauraLynn Children's Hospice, The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, National Children’s Hospital at Tallaght University Hospital, Our Lady's Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and Barnados will get a sneak preview of the set and get to play with the toys. Their visit will be captured onscreen and will be aired during the show. All toys featured on the show will be donated to charity following the broadcast.
Earlier in the night, The Late Late Toy Show Unwrapped will give viewers a chance to look back at some of Ryan’s standout moments in his 10th year at the helm of the Toy Show at 7pm on RTÉ One.
No matter where you are The Late Late Toy Show will be available to watch worldwide for free, both live and on demand for up to 30 days, on RTÉ Player across Desktop, iOS and Android. Last year the show was viewed live in over 100 countries outside of Ireland. In the lead up to the main event, viewers from around the world can also watch a host of clips and extras on RTÉ Player featuring some of the best moments from The Late Late Toy Show over the years in The Late Late Toy Show Collection.
Christmas is a time of year we all look forward to, and who doesn't enjoy the gift shopping that goes hand-in-hand with the most festive time of year? But, not to rain on this tinsel-covered parade, it can also be a tad stressful. So many people to buy for; the 'will they, won't they like it' dilemma, the panic when you realise you've lost the gift receipt… So, how does one take the stress away and ensure you're sitting, sipping toffee nut lattes as opposed to standing in mile-long queues?
AllGifts.ie is a favourite for so many this time of year, as you can do all your shopping in one place! You're a few clicks away from over 10,000 gifts to choose from, and if you think gift vouchers would go down a treat, you can buy them from 200 destinations across Ireland. This will surely take at least some of your stress away, and for an extra special treat, they are also running a competition on site that will see one lucky winner be in with a chance of getting a shopping spree on AllGifts.ie worth €500!
But, don't just take our word for it, as well as the above, here's three reasons customers love it so:
1. Instant Personal Gifts
You can select any gift voucher, add your personal message, and instantly send your gift by email or download for printing out. You can also order your personalised gift vouchers for delivery in a beautiful gift box, so you don't even have to think about the wrapping side of things.
2. So much choice
AllGifts.ie offers over 10,000 gifts and vouchers from 200 of the best shops, hotels, spas, restaurants and adrenaline adventures across Ireland. And they have one of the largest selections of Christmas Hampers and Seasonal Gifts.
3. Gift Swapping is an option
And if you're worried your gift voucher of choice may not hit the mark (it's happened to us all!), when you buy any gift voucher on AllGifts.ie, the recipient always has the option of swapping for another gift they might prefer!
Still stuck for gift ideas? Well, you, deserve some me, myself and I time, and nothing says that like an incredible Spa Treatment (complete with a heavenly massage). And there'll be no Christmas blues in sight (for real) should you present her with say, a Penneys voucher so she can buy that essential Christmas Party outfit (or three)
Oh, and don't forget, you could get your Christmas gifts all bought and paid for thanks to AllGifts.ie, head over to their website HERE to be in with a chance to win a €500 shopping spree!
We don't know where our money goes (ok, so online shopping, daily mocha frappicinos and like, rent, take up a fair bit of cash) but we are kinda freakin' out now that the festive season is almost upon is.
Because, that means buying gifts and it means big spending…or does it?
We've whipped up a few ideas for those of us (read: all of us) that just can't afford to splash out on a mad pressie.
You're welcome.
Gin And Bear It, €10.50, arnotts.ie The Importance of Being Aisling, €14.99, www.easons.com
Frosty Gingerbread – Yankee Candle, €9.99, candlemania.ie
Revolution Re-Loaded Palette Newtrals 2, €4.50, beautybay.com
Colour Play Lipliner New Shades, €15.00, inglot.ie
Hot Chocolate Mug Gift Set, €13.00, next.ie
The Tequila Mockingbird Kit : Cocktails with a Literary Twist, €7.46, bookdepository.co
Mini girls brown leopard print beanie hat, €13.00, riverisland.ie
Black Patent Quilted Bum Bag, €14.99, newlook.com
Stag Ring Holder, €13.00, €marksandspencer.ie
Silver Crane Petticoat Tails Tin Filled With 300g Shortbread Petticoat Tails, €8.50, www.boots.ie
Mini MAC Lipstick, €12.00, brownthomas.com
Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish 300ml, €10.00, boots.ie
Heart Jewellery Dish, €6.50, next.ie
No7 Gel Finish Nail Duo, €10.50, www.boots.ie
While beauty brands come and go, dip and flow, in popularity among makeup lovers based on influencer recommendations and online trends – one thing remains constant, and that's MAC.
MAC lives in the memoirs of young men and women who saved up their after-school job money to purchase their first 'proper' foundation, and remains alive today in their vibrant, professional and adaptive collections.
Creative yet classic, the brand knock it out of the park year after year with their coveted Christmas collection, and 2018's offering is no different.
MAC have launched their Shiny Pretty Things Collection – and it's the perfect Christmas gift for the beauty lover in your life.
We have to first point out the delightful, 80s inspired cellophane wrapping that coats the collection – in dramatic, acidic shades of cobalt, fuchsia and tangerine, they definitely won't be overlooked under the tree.
The collection has a mix of sets and stand alone items – some of which come in decked-out sequin makeup pouches.
Along with the lip-focused set, MAC has also come up with face sets to get that complexion glowing for party season.
We're particularly fond of the Medium/Deep palette – which includes, like it's Fair sister, an Extra Dimension Skinfinish highlighter, Blush and Bronzing Powder with rich, peachy undertones.
Next up is the selection of Party Favours – little quads of cosmetics in jewel-toned sealed cellophane.
“We getting NAUGHTY-not-NICE this season! @savagexfenty just dropped The Ultimate Gift Guide to help you shop gifts for everybody in ya life !! Hit up SavageX.com to get 50% off everything for a limited time!”
Tbh we barely read the caption because we were far too busy staring at how drop-dead gorgeous she is in the post, but obviously we will be lining up to get whatever this gal offers us.
Naturally, the topless pic pretty much set the internet on fire, and went instantly viral. Everything she does goes viral, but this is next level fire.
Fans are still spamming the singer, actress and fashion icon regarding news of her ninth studio album, and one particularly quick fan noticed that RiRi registered two new songs:
.@Rihanna has registered two new songs titled “Waist Line Down” And “Nah Left.” Is her album coming sooner than we expect? #R9pic.twitter.com/OUe0PwKQUU
Buying a gift for your friends or family can be difficult enough when they don't possess 'notions.'
What are notions, you ask? Well, it's essentially when a person has grandiose elements of extravagance; whether in terms of fashion, style, food & drink, décor or just in their everyday life.
They drink non-fat, no-foam, five-shot half-caffeine pumpkin spice latte in a special cup at a certain temperature and will refuse to do most activities due to footwear, except yogalates.
You'd never catch them drinking cans, especially not Tesco lager; they're most likely only drinking a craft beer that no one has heard of or a slimline tonic with lime cordial and a shot of vodka on the side.
Plebs such as us probably would take a taxi or public transport to a club, whereas someone with 'notions' might take a large limousine with white doves as their accessories.
As a self-confessed Harry Potter addict, these pressies are literally my dream.
Christmas to Potter fans is sitting back in front of a roaring firre, sipping on a Butterbeer, after a snowy afternoon pottering around Hogsmeade.
Maybe dipping into a box of Bertie Botts Every Favour Beans. (See? Told you were were Potter obsessives.)
And we're sure that everyone hasa Potterheadfriend/sibling/boyf/girlf/colleague – so what better present to get them then something inspired by the Wizarding world?
We've gathered a few gorgeous gift ideas that Harry Potter fans will be delighted to unwrap this Christmas…you're welcome.
Hogwarts Combat Boots (hottopic.com)
Platform 9 3/4 Crossbody Bag
(hottopic.com)
Harry Potter™ Real Talking Sorting Hat™ (littlewoodsireland.com)
Harry Potter™ Swish and Flick Cosmetic Brushes(boots.ie)
The temperature has MAJORLY dropped, Halloween is long gone and it's dark at 5pm; you know what this means. IT'S CHRISTMASTIME.
What better way to celebrate the festive season than Netflix and Chill? (literally, it's freezing)
We've decided to do a round-up of all the newestNetflix films which can get you in the holiday spirit, as well as remind you of the best ones available on the streaming service.
As "research", we've even decided to watch them all. Don't say we aren't committed to our jobs…
Netflix remains the Rudolph of the pack when it comes to streaming services, and they have made some absolute gems for us to enjoy this year.
1. The Princess Switch
While Vanessa Hudgen's latest offering contains a huge amount of confusing plot points (I mean, when the identical women who are both played by Vanessa Hudgens meet for the first time, they literally aren't shocked at all…) it cannot be denied that it's entertainment GOLD.
Stacy De Novo and as Lady Margaret Delacourt are a doppelganger duo who bump into each other and decide to switch places. Margaret wants to experience normal life, while Stacey (obviously) wants to be royal for a few days.
The Princess Switch is fairly inexplicable, but contains two charming men who Hudgens gets to kiss repeatedly, a lot of snow, a huge amount of Christmas themes and a gas game of Twister.
Watch to switch off your brain and succumb to holiday cheer.
2. The Holiday Calendar
Kat Graham stars as a struggling but talented photographer who inherits an antique holiday advent calendar which can PREDICT THE FUTURE.
The question is, can she use the calendar to find love this festive season? Quincey Brown plays her love interest; we are hooked already.
You don't have to ask us to watch this, we're already on the couch ready for the ultimate That's So Raven Christmas experience.
3. The Christmas Chronicles
Kate and Teddy Pierce are siblings who hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus, played by Kurt Russell, on Christmas Eve.
However, the plan goes awry and the kids must join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save Christmas before it's too late, experiencing the adventure of a lifetime while they're at it.
Russell has dedicated his performance to his father and the California wildfire victims.
The Christmas Chronicles will be released November 22, 2018.
4. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding
OH. MY. GOD.
When the news came in that 2017's iconic A Christmas Prince had a sequel, it's fair to say we had an absolute meltdown.
The first movie was essentially a 'SOB, Prince Harry is taken' comfort flick, featuring Rose McIvor as an aspiring young magazine journalist, Amber Moore, who is sent to Aldovia to cover a press conference with prince Richard.
Richard, a rumoured playboy, is set to take the throne following his father's recent death, but has mixed feelings about the task. While snooping around the palace for a story, Ambers mistaken for young Princess Emily's new tutor.
Amber then goes undercover. Royal security just doesn't exist in Aldovia it would seem.
OF COURSE, a love story ensues between Amber and Richard, but will they make it down the aisle? STAY TUNED:
Don't forget the original: A Christmas Prince
Classic Netflix Christmas movies:
Don't miss these absolute gems from previous years, if you've already watched all of 2018's Christmas additions. (We can't help it okay? We're addicted.)
It's a shame Love Actually or How The Grinch Stole Christmas haven't made it to Irish Netflix yet, but here's hoping for 2019. Fingers crossed, lads.
A Christmas Inheritance
Ambitious heiress Ellen Langford is in line to inherit her father's business, but before this happens she must deliver a special Christmas card to her dad's former partner in Snow Falls.
A snowstorm strands her at the town inn and hinders her goal, but will she learn a few lessons about the true meaning of Christmas while trapped in the town?
We suspect so. There's a clumsy meet-cute, a love/hate relationship with the love interest Jake, a fiance who isn't good for her; in other words, the classic rom-com Christmas clichés.
Cliché-ridden nonetheless, we're still going to watch it, aren't we?
Arthur Christmas
James McAvoy voices Arthur, Santa's youngest son who must deliver a crucial present before Christmas morning dawns.
Santa Claus delivers presents to every last child on Earth, but what everyone doesn't know is that Santa accomplishes this with the assistance of a very high-tech operation beneath the North Pole.
The unthinkable happens, and Santa misses one child out of millions. Will Arthur save the day?
The Christmas Wedding Planner
A wedding planner's world is completely turned upside down when a devilishly handsome private investigator is hired to disrupt her biggest job yet, but will they put their differences aside?
Kelsey Wilson's must organise her cousin's lavish wedding to perfection, but Connor McClane quickly upends the upcoming nuptials after being hired by a private source.
Hint: sparks fly. Otherwise there would be no movie…
Jack Frost
Michael Keaton stars in the 1998 Christmas flick about a touring musician clinging to dreams of stardom.
Ageing rocker Jack Frost doesn't dedicate enough time to his wife Gabby, and young son, Charlie. Following Jack's tragic death in a car accident on Christmas Day , Charlie plays a mournful tune on his father's harmonica.
To his understandable shock, his dad Jack Frost is magically brought to life as a snowman on the family lawn. Charlie and Jack struggle to make up for lost time as father and son, it's the ultimate family tearjerker.
A Wish for Christmas
Lacey Chabert (OMG it's Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls) stars as Sara, a frustrated web designer who makes a Christmas wish for the courage to stand up for herself.
After exposing her boss for stealing her ideas, Sara is thrust into the spotlight and may get more than she bargained for in both her work and love lives.
Be careful what you wish for, but our Netflix wishes have most definitely come true.
The Holiday(coming 7th December)
Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz star in the classic 2006 winter season house-swap comedy.
Two women plagued with guy-problems swap homes and countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.
It's such a perfect movie for friends and family to watch together, one of the best and most-loved rom-com's of the genre.
Remember Cameron Diaz blasting Mr Brightside in her cottage drinking wine? Us in roughly three hours.
Happy Netflix-ing, gals. These should keep you in the Christmas mood all throughout December, at least.
Enjoy all of the romance, comedy, drama and holiday festivities which streaming can give, we know we will.
Coleen and Wayen Rooney have released their official annual family Christmas card and their four boys look so gorgeous.
The kids – nine-year-old Kai, five-year-old Klay, two-year-old Kit and nine-month-old Cass are clad in matching striped pyjamas, smiling at the camera.
The photo shoot was carried out by Liverpool-based photographer Grace Kellie, who has snapped the Rooney family before and with mum Coleen plans to use the pictures to make Christmas cards for close family and friends this year.
Kellie Stamper, Director of Grace Kellie Photography, said, “It’s always a pleasure to have Coleen and her four adorable boys back in my studio.''
She continued, ''The youngest two were just days old when I first photographed them, so it’s lovely to see how much they’ve grown.''
She added, “Having customers return time and time again reassures me that I’m doing my job well; that they not only love the photography I create, but also feel at ease in my studio and with my art direction.”
Coleen, who has been married to husband Wayne for ten years, often posts about her four adorbs sons on social media and it seems that her fans loved the Christmas card as much as we did.
One wrote, ''Beautiful picture'' while another said, ''Gorgeous'' with four love heart emojis.
I know it's forbidden to whisper the C word in November – BUT, preparation is key for a successful festive season.
That's why we are DELIGHTED that Penneys have released their stunning Christmas collection.
It's time to revamp your makeup bag with Christmas glitter and golds.
Penneys has that winter glow covered from your desk to the messy Christmas parties.
A standout from the new collection is their range of new highlighters.
The Double Dimension Highlighter comes in three different shades and they can be applied to give you a subtle pop or sharp shine.
It is a complete steal at just €4, so you really can't go wrong.
Now, if you really want to rival the Christmas tree for who shines the brightest – we highly recommend the Glow Double Dimension Highlight Drops.
For flawless results, you can apply it underneath or over makeup for that beautiful glow.
But this product isn't just perfect for capturing the angles on our face – it can also be used on your body such as your collarbone – to really accentuate your Christmas look on a big night out.
Since the moment the clock stuck midnight on October 31, the Christmas season is upon us.
Well, some people argue that December is the only month allowed for the Santa hype train to leave the station, but we totally disagree. The Christmas tunes are blaring, ChristmasFMis almost back up and running, and the greatest jumpers are already in stores right now.
Finding the funniest, most glamorous or just plain ugly Christmas styles can be a tricky task. We've only gone and done you the favour of finding all the best ones. Thank us later, a Christmas card will do. Or maybe some mulled wine and mistletoe?
THE EXCITEMENT.
1. The drinking game jumper
First up, we've got an actual drinking game in woolly jumper form. There literally is nothing else as magical. Tipsy Elves have gifted us with this joy, order it from Amazon for €45 and you'll be the life of every festive party.
They even have the rules for the game printed on the back so you won't forget, and it comes with six balls for you and your pals. Hint: the bulls eye results in the entire party drinking. Good luck with that one…
Up next, we have a Jesus Christ birthday jumper from Uppers and Downers, the current price is €59.
To be fair, the Christian holiday is supposed to be celebrating the religious day of Jesus' birth, so the fact that his face is on a jumper isn't unheard of.
It is most definitely unconventional however, especially seeing as he is sporting a birthday hat, a red balloon and a dove. To each their own, we say.
This next festive fashion piece looks pretty normal at first glance. That is, until the lights go off. The white material turns fluorescent green and the red material reverts to black, so there will be no difficulty in spotting you once night falls.
Yes, Jolly have legitimately created a GLOW IN THE DARK Christmas jumper. For an absolute steal as well; it's only €32.
If you are desperate to light up the party, this is the one for you.
This next one is yet another political figure reference, wear it if you dare.
Yes, someone genuinely took it upon themselves to design a jumper around Donald Trump. As if his face doesn't bombard us in every other domain…
Cloud City 7 appear to want to stoke some light-hearted Christmas cheer through a dash of controversy, for just €31 (delivery not included.) Keep the change, ya filthy animals.
We all have had a bad experience with heating tools and haircare: whether it's burning your scalp or just creating supremely dodgy curls for a night out, it's happened to us all.
Some gals even resort to teaching their boyfriends how to use hair tools to stop themselves from constantly getting burnt, and other gals just give up altogether.
Taming the mane can be tedious, frustrating and just downright PAINFUL. This Christmas, we're hoping to get a gift from Santa which will ultimately stop the problem of tangled brushes and applying aloe vera to our burns.
We have scoured the lands trying to find a tool that allows us to move our heads and hands around without the heat danger, and creates the perfect looks for day and night.
HALLELUIJAH: a new and improved version of the Instyler has just been released, and it just might save your life.
You might remember the original Instyler; in case you've been living under a haircare rock, it's become a huge name by transforming hair into big bouncy waves and straight, sleek locks.
The Instyler Max now comes in three glam colours: purple, black and pink, and we can't decide which one we want more.
Praise the Lord, no more burns. The Instyler Max has a rotating barrel addition which straightens, curls, and adds twice the amount of body to our hair. It works super fast so you won't be spending hours with aches in your neck staring at the mirror.
Trying to get picture-perfect hair can be tricky at best, re-creating glamorous curls or straight sleek looks from our favourite catwalk shows seems unfairly difficult considering we don't have a personal hairstylist on hand.
We are hoping (nay, praying) that this tool will be the answer to our hair prayers. Think of it like a mini-hairstylist that you can carry around in your bag.
Treat yourself, we are definitely nabbing this in time for our Christmas party.
Grab your new guardian angel of hair at www.instyler.ie for just €99.99, not bad considering it essentially gives you red carpet glamour.
