As we previously opined, this year's 'Late Late Toy Show' was the best it's been in years, and so it goes that it's the most-watched Irish TV production of the year.

Figures released by RTÉ today have it that a total of 1.7 million people watched this year's edition of 'The Late Late Toy Show' across streaming and regular television, with the hashtag trending worldwide on Friday night on Twitter as well.

Speaking on his radio programme this afternoon, host Ryan Tubridy said the response to this year's efforts has been "as overwhelming as it has been humbling."

"We were just bowled over by the children, all of whom came out with these beautiful stories and lessons in life and above all else, a sense of kindness and warmth and innocence and childhood, which is the essence of 'The Late Late Toy Show' experience."

This year's figures are up 13% on last year, which garnered 1.5 million viewers and 42% from 2017's figures of 1.2 million viewers, and topped both years as the most-watched Irish TV programme of their respective years.

'The Late Late Toy Show' is currently available on RTE Player.