One of the most memorable moments in the history of Ireland's Late Late Toy Show unfolded in 2003, when a young superfan's performance was hijacked by the very pop stars he adored.
The Unforgettable Surprise
Five-year-old Tony Kane, known as Toby, took to the stage of the beloved RTE festive special full of confidence. He was there to perform a rendition of Girls Aloud's hit song 'Jump', a track he had practised diligently on his karaoke machine. Unbeknownst to Toby, the show's producers and his own parents had orchestrated a huge surprise.
As he belted out the lyrics, the members of Girls Aloud – Nicola Roberts, Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, and the late Sarah Harding – crept up behind him. They wrapped the unsuspecting youngster in a group cuddle and planted kisses on his cheek, leaving him utterly stunned.
A Reaction That Stole the Show
The shock of the surprise proved overwhelming for the young fan. When then-host Pat Kenny asked if he wanted to speak to the band, Toby simply shook his head and replied 'No'. His speechless, shy reaction in front of millions of viewers became an instant and enduring highlight of the Toy Show's long history.
Reflecting on the event years later, Tony, now 28, revealed he initially felt 'betrayed' by his family for keeping the secret. "I had no idea," he said. "It was going to be my moment and I knew exactly what I was planning and it was just so unexpected." He recalled his parents' excitement afterwards, contrasting with his own stunned silence.
A Legacy of Toy Show Magic
Two decades on, the clip remains a cherished piece of pop culture and television history, exemplifying the unpredictable magic the Toy Show aims to create. While show bosses hope for smooth performances, it's often these genuine, unrehearsed reactions that audiences remember most fondly.
The incident underscores the powerful impact such surprises can have on a child. For Tony Kane, the memory is now a fond, if initially overwhelming, part of his past, perfectly capturing a unique collision of childhood fandom and live television.
