'A very proud moment': Cork mum’s pride at daughter's Toy Show debut

A CORK mother whose daughter is set to feature on this year’s Late Late Toy Show has said she is brimming with pride ahead of her child’s appearance on the highly anticipated annual show.

Lottie O’Driscoll-Murray, (12), from Shanakiel, is involved in the 2023 edition of the Toy Show, which airs tomorrow.

Speaking about the audition process, Lottie’s mother Celine said after submitting an application, Lottie was asked to attend an in-person audition last month.

“We got called to go to Dublin on October 9. Lottie auditioned in RTÉ and then on October 20, we got the call to say that they wanted her to be a part of the show.

“She was beaming — sure that’s everyone’s dream, isn’t it?

“It was a very proud moment,” she said. There was a lot of excitement in the home!”

And while the all-important theme of the Toy Show is under wraps, as are the specific details of Lottie’s involvement, Celine said her daughter is greatly looking forward to appearing on the show.

She also confirmed that pre-show jitters haven’t kicked in, saying: “She’s not one bit nervous!”

Celine said friends and family at home and abroad can’t wait to tune in on Friday.

“My brother is having my family around at his [to watch the Toy Show].

“We were over in Boston there for Halloween — we were over with [Lottie’s] aunt. She’s going to watch it on the RTÉ Player,” Celine said.

Celine said the past few weeks have been busy for Lottie, who is a First Year student at Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, in the lead up to the big night.

“We were up there [in Dublin] three Sundays in a row and she’s after becoming great friends with the other kids. It’s all go but it’s all worth it!”

The 2023 Toy Show will be Patrick Kielty’s first since taking over as Late Late Show host in September.

• The Late Late Toy Show airs Friday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.