Inspirational Maghera girl to appear on Late Late Toy Show

An inspirational young girl from County Derry has spoken of her excitement after landing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star in RTÉ's The Late Late Toy Show.

Tessa Evans, from Maghera, will appear on the popular show, hosted for the first time by presenter Patrick Kielty, this Friday night.

The 10 year-old, who attends St Brigid's Primary School, Tirkane/ Bunscoil Naomh Bríd, was encouraged to audition for the show by her teacher.

Tessa had to send a small video for the first step of the application process before being invited along for an audition.

When Tessa's mum Gráinne brought her to the audition in Dublin, she had to stay out of the room.

“I got really emotional because Tessa had to go into a room all on her own,” said Gráinne.

“She just stood up with all her things and just walked in as if it was nothing, as if she had been doing it forever.

“And then we could hear laughing coming from behind the wall.”

Patrick Kielty gives details on how you can still be part of Late Late Toy Show this Friday

Two weeks later, Tessa's family received a phone call announcing the good news that she had been chosen to appear on the show.

“We had absolutely no idea, we did not expect to get that phone call to say that she'd had got a part in the show,” said Gráinne.

Late Late Toy Show 2023: Date, time and TV details

“I just find it so strange. You just grew up watching it, it's like every child's dream and I think we're more excited than even Tessa, although she's over the moon.”

Tessa, who was born without a nose due to a rare condition called Bosma Arhinia Microphthalmia (BAM) syndrome, said she was 'really, really, really, really excited' and shocked to be part of the most-watched show in Ireland.

Tessa said during her audition she made 'funny jokes' to make the panel laugh.

“ I had to play with toys, just my doll and some other toys I brought,” said Tessa.

“My teacher keeps saying she can't believe I'm going to be on it.

“It's so huge, I'd never think I'd be on it.”

The theme for Friday night's show is strictly confidential and neither Gráinne or Tessa can speak about it.

“So it's all very, very top secret,” said Gráinne.

“Tessa's not doing a toy review or anything but she's part of the show, part of a performance. The rest is highly
classified.”

Tessa had an official rehearsal on Sunday and will travel to Dublin this Friday for a full dress rehearsal right before
the Toy Show is aired on RTÉ at 9.35pm.