It’s coming up to that time of year again when we all dig into our pockets for the incredible charity appeal that is Children In Need.
The BBC-owned event was first broadcast on television back in 1980 and it has been going strong ever since, getting bigger and raising more money each year. It aims to change the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK, and it has raised around £600,000,000 up to now through its annual telethon and worldwide charity events.
This year, the event promises to be better than ever with the help of hosts Tess Daly, Ade Adepitan, Greg James, Graham Norton, and spouses Marvin and Rochelle Humes.
Following the announcement of the presenters, Graham Norton said that he would love to raise, “as much money as possible in honour of the late Sir Terry Wogan.” The famous broadcaster worked for the BBC for most of his career and had contributed to the Children In Need appeal hugely since day one. He will definitely be missed at the upcoming proceedings.
So when is it? Well, the show will take place on 18th November from 7:30pm and you can catch all of the action as it happens live on BBC1.
Who is performing this year’s Children In Need song? Craig David gets the honour of having the much-anticipated charity single which will surely be one of the highlights of his recent comeback to music. In a refreshing twist, it has been revealed that he will release a ballad instead of something that his fans would be used to. We can’t wait to hear it!
Who will be appearing on the show? As well as being recognised for the huge amount money it raises, Children In Need is also known for the famous faces who appear at the event. This year, the list of names set to appear is even bigger. You can expect to see Peter Andre, Frankie Bridge, and Alex Jones joining in on the fun as well as Ricky Gervais who will appear as his alter-ego David Brent. He will be performing the title track from, “Life On The Road,” which is sure to be unmissable.
Actor Eddie Redmayne will take part in a sketch which shows him doing his part to raise money by going on a quest to find the Children In Need mascot, Pudsey Bear, with Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. We wonder if there will be cake along the way…
The show will also feature an exclusive preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special featuring the return of Peter Capaldi who will team up with a reporter and a masked vigilante to defend New York from a terrifying alien invasion.
Several Team GB medalists will be showing up too, swapping the Olympics for the ballroom as they join forces with the professional dancers of Strictly Come Dancing to perform a glittering show-stopper.
There will be a Junior edition of Would I Lie To You during the event, hosted by Rob Brydon who will lead comedians and team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack in the special mini-episode.
As well as sketches and one-off television specials, music will play a big part in the annual show and this year the viewers will be treated to performances by Michael Buble, Little Mix, and the cast of the West End musical, “Aladdin: The Musical.”
So how can you get involved? You could run your own fundraiser, send in a donation, or send in a cheque to BBC Children In Need Appeal, PO Box 648, Salford, M5 0LB. Take a look at the Children In Need website to find some other options.
Are you looking forward to the show? Let us know on Twitter at, @CelebMix!