TV3′S OWN VERSION of the Toy Show aired tonight, with ex-Westlifer Brian McFadden and the network’s own Karen Koster at the helm.

Expectations were high, given the yearly RTÉ Late Late Toy Show is such a national institution – but is the original still the best?

Here are just a few things we learned…

1. It probably should have been called the Frozen Toy Show

The show opened with a number from the film (Let It Go, naturally), featured a whole segment dedicated to Frozen toys, and a recreation of Elsa’s gown in loom bands (more on that later).

2. Brian McFadden is more than able to match Tubs in the cringy attire stakes

Brian McEvoy / TV3 Brian McEvoy / TV3 / TV3

We hate to say it, but Brian’s full-on Christmas suit definitely outdoes Ryan’s festive jumpers.

If you’re interested in sporting it yourself (and you’re that much of a mad yoke), it’s available at The Costume Shop.

3. Karen Koster is an absolute DOTE

Brian McEvoy / TV3 Brian McEvoy / TV3 / TV3

Heavily-pregnant Karen stole the hearts of viewers by being an absolute natural with the kids, and Twitter was glowing with praise.

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4. Slagging RTÉ is fair game

They didn’t waste time getting the few shly digs in at RTÉ.

Jedward did a “shout out” to Ryan Tubridy and these two panto dames provided the burn of the night:

I was told RTÉ was an awful kip… oh this is the RDS?

5. The term ‘celebrity guest’ can be used extremely loosely

Brian McEvoy / TV3 Brian McEvoy / TV3 / TV3

The ‘celebrity guest train’ wheeled out none other than TV3′s own Glenda Gilson, two of the kids from Moone Boy, and er, Bill Cullen.

The viewers scratched their heads.

6. You can make ANYTHING out of loom bands

As toy tester Abbey demonstrated with this loom band model of Harry Styles from One Direction…

…And the loom band fashion show, which featured Elsa from Frozen’s gown constructed out of the tiny elastic bands.

Brian McEvoy / TV3 Brian McEvoy / TV3 / TV3

7. Today’s kids scoff at the toys of our youth

In what was the most entertaining segment of the night, primary school kids got a gawk at toys from the 80s and 90s. They weren’t very impressed.

This is a LoLo Ball, kids.

As for when Judge from the Wanderly Wagon appeared, well… This little girl’s face says it all.

8. It was better than last year, but there’s still a long way to go to match RTÉ

At least, that was the consensus online:

Did you watch? What did you think? Tell us in the comments!

Previously: Brian McFadden hits out at Dublin radio host, says he’s getting ‘probably your salary’ to do the TV3 Toy Show>