Derry’s Joshua Concannon appearing on The Late, Late Toy Show

Exactly what he will be doing is all very hush-hush at the minute.

What we do know is talented young Derry man Joshua Concannon (14) will be performing on RTÉ One’s iconic Late, Late Toy Show.

A favourite with children and adults throughout Ireland, the Toy Show was watched by 1.7 million people last year. 

"That was it, that was my moment" ❤️

With just 3 days until the most magical night of the year, Paddy shares his favourite memory from last year's Toy Show ✨

Now it's your turn! Share your all-time favourite Toy Show memories with us using the hashtag #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/xPsnSoPW6m

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) December 3, 2024

Presented for the second time by Paddy Kielty, this year’s show will air at 9.35pm, on Friday, December 6 and everyone in Derry will be keeping an eye out for Joshua, who is from the Woodbrook area of the city.

Speaking to The Derry News, Joshua said he was “absolutely delighted” when he heard he was going to be on the Toy Show.

“We have always watched, every year,” he added, “It just didn’t feel real when we got the email four weeks ago. It always looks like so much fun when you are watching it. I can’t wait now to be a part of it. I am so excited.

“I have told a few of my friends and I told my teacher, who I think has told quite a few people to be honest,” smiled Joshua, a student at Lumen Christi College in the city. “They think it is brilliant and they can’t wait to watch it. Everyone seems to be so happy for me. The support has been amazing. 

“I am really looking forward to performing on the Toy Show now,” said Joshua, who is also busy rehearsing as Mike TV with the Letterkenny Musical Society, for its production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - March 4 to 8, 2025.

Joshua is very involved in the performing arts. “I began Irish dancing with Rachel and Caroyln of The Porter School when I was two and a half, and I started singing, with Margaret Keys, during lockdown,” he said.

Joshua also does speech and drama with Loretta Bradley of Class Act at The Playhouse.

His mother Tracey said Joshua was “born for the stage, he just loves performing”.

“He appeared on TG4’s An Ríl Deal when he was eight,” she added.

Joshua’s daddy is Micky Concannon and he has a brother, Luke, and a sister, Leah.

Late Late Toy Show is most viewed show on Irish TV in 2023 with big surprises in Top 10

Tracey said the whole family would be “glued” to the Toy Show wishing him well - especially his Granny and Granda McCay in Brookdale. 

“Hopefully he won’t be nervous on Friday night,” she added. “He has taken part in the 2018 Derry Pantomime in the Millennium, so he should be okay. 

“He played Michael in Peter Pan. He also played Kurt von Trapp in the LMS production of The Sound of Music in 2022,” said Tracey.

It’s true, there is no business like show business and we can’t wait to see Joshua performing on The Toy Show, making Derry proud.