
It’s time for BBC Children In Need!
It’s time for BBC Children In Need!
Cuddly toy with a cause Pudsey Bear is back to put the fun in fundraising on BBC One
Cuddly toy with a cause Pudsey Bear is back to put the fun in fundraising on BBC One
Since launching in 1980, Children In Need has raised £972 million, and its lasting impact on the lives of disadvantaged young people has been worth so much more
Friday 16 November, 7.30pm, BBC One/HD (CH 101/108). Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
It’s November, so that can only mean one thing… BBC Children In Need is back! The annual fundraising bonanza aims to raise as much cash as possible to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged children and young people all over the UK. The charity currently supports more than 2,700 projects up and down the country to help individuals facing a range of challenges including poverty, illness, disability, neglect and trauma.
This year’s stellar presenting line-up includes Graham Norton, Tess Daly, Mel Giedroyc, Ade Adepitan, and Rochelle and Marvin Humes. Stand-up comedian Rob Beckett, whose voice you’ll recognise from providing the hilarious voiceover for Celebs Go Dating, is also part of the hosting team for the first time. Oh, and let’s not forget Pudsey. The cuddly mascot will be there, doing what he does best – representing the cause and looking cute while he does it.

The appeal show will be broadcast live from the BBC Elstree studios – the home of Strictly Come Dancing – and as with every year, you can expect razor-sharp comedy sketches and unexpected celeb cameos galore (we’ve previously had Catherine Tate reprising her role as Nan, and Harry Hill recreating a-ha’s “Take On Me” music video). There will be singing, there will be dancing, there will be… pretty much everything you could want to keep you entertained!
Back in 2010, we were treated to Come Dine With The Dragons, when the hard-to-please Dragon’s Den crew rated each other’s dishes. And who could forget 2014’s Grease/EastEnders mash-up GreaseEnders? So much leather, so many Cockney accents belting out “You’re the One That I Want”…
This year’s official single is a little more melodious. “Love Is In The Picture” by Jamie Cullum is out now, with proceeds going to the charity. Cullum will also be performing the song live on the appeal show on 16 November.
There’s sure to be plenty of other treats on the nights, with past one-off specials including Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing and Mastermind. It’s the gift that keeps on giving – to viewers watching at home, but most importantly, to children in need.
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Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to the 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.