Every year they're the hottest ticket in town, something that not even money can buy, harder to get your hands on than U2 in Croke Park.

Applications for The Late Late Toy Show tickets are now open and you can apply on rte.ie. Applications are valid for 2017 only, so even if you've filled out the form previously you'll need to do it again. The form is fairly long so set some time aside, multiple applications will be disqualified and all audience members must be over 18. Once the application process is closed, tickets will be allocated on a lottery basis.

Speaking today at the Clayton Hotel in Cork where The Late Late Toy Show regional auditions kicked off, host Ryan Tubridy said: "I cannot tell you how often I am asked about Toy Show tickets. It really is quite extraordinary how popular they are. I am asked about them everywhere I go and the worst part about it is that I have to disappoint which I hate to do! My best advice is to get those applications in good and early and keep your fingers crossed – this year it could be you."

Last year there were more than 140,000 applications for what is always the most watched television show of the year with 2016’s Jungle Book themed Late Late Toy Show getting a total consolidated audience of 1.57 million people, making it the second most watched programme on Irish television this century.

This year's Late Late Toy Show takes place on December 1st.

Best of luck with your entries!