The Late Late Toy Show hits our screens tonight, as the young - and not-so-young - viewers all over the country prepare to tune into the festive favourite.

Last year saw the likes of Ed Sheeran and The Script among those to make a surprise appearance on what was officially the most watched programme this century; the audience peaked at 1.8m. Incredibly, though, this year's production is set to surpass those of previous years, with the biggest set, most children, and the biggest performance the institution has ever seen.

While the plans for tonight are under lock and key in RTÉ HQ, host Ryan Tubridy has admitted there's a few surprises in store.

"They are hatching a plan or two but all I will say is that I think book lovers will be excited," Tubs said, speaking of the theme of the show. "I can tell you that it will be a musical, from a book at one point and a movie as well that may or may not be live action or animated."

The murmurs this morning suggested the show will be themed around Beauty & The Beast.

Indeed, even Ryan's sartorial choices are a well-guarded secret; though at least we can rest assured that there'll be wool involved.

"I have tried on a few," he said. "There is one in particular that has caught my eye that involves a little bit of modern technology and a regular wool jumper. I won’t say more because the whole point of this show is meant to be that there will be elements of surprise."

One thing that's guaranteed, though, is that he'll be shaking a leg to open proceedings. "There were dance classes," he admitted. “Not only is it hard, but when you’re gangly it's unpleasant."