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13th Jun 2022

Ryan Tubridy and Adam King finally get to share a hug

Katy Brennan

So heartwarming.

Late Late Toy Show star Adam King and Ryan Tubridy have finally shared a real-life hug.

Almost two years after Adam appeared on the show to share his idea of ‘virtual hugs’ during lockdown with the host, the pair had the chance to really hug at the Ireland vs Scotland game in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Adam King Adventures tweeted: “Look who we met at the @AVIVAStadium @FAIreland game! And after 2 years and all the lockdowns – finally – a real hug. What a lovely moment.”

Ryan shared a photo of the moment on his Instagram page, writing in the caption:

“As Adam’s Dad said, this hug was over two years, five Late Late Show appearances and a great friendship in the making. A golden moment.”

He also shared a photo from the day of him with Adam and his family to his Instagram Stories, writing: “I found our lucky charms! My dear friend, Adam King and family.”

Adam first captured the hearts of the nation when he appeared on the Toy Show with his ‘virtual hug’ card in December 2020.

The seven-year-old, who has a rare brittle bone condition, has impacted people worldwide since his TV appearance and even received a letter from United States of America President Joe Biden, who praised him for introducing his virtual hugs idea to people during the pandemic.

His dreams to work for NASA and go into outer space were recognised by retired astronaut Chris Hadfield, who said he was massively impressed by him.

Since his appearance, he has raised over €250,000 for Temple Street Hospital in Dublin and Cork University Maternity Hospital.

He’s also released his very own Christmas book titled A Hug For You this Christmas and worked on a cartoon series for RTÉ – there’s truly no stopping him.

In 2021, he was named the Most Huggable Person of the Year by the US team behind National Hugging Day.