BBC Children In Need Bargain Hunt Special breaks all-time record, raising almost £20,000 for Pudsey!
In a special episode of BBC One antiques series Bargain Hunt, to be broadcast on Friday 15 November (12.15pm, BBC One), two teams of celebrities smash all records on the show, and help to raise an incredible amount - almost £20,000 - for this year’s BBC Children In Need appeal.
Published: 13 November 2019
Both Sooty and I have always been fans of the show, so it was a joy to take part. Throughout our work, we have been fortunate to meet a lot of children - some of them not as fortunate as others. It is wonderful to try and make a difference to these children’s lives.
In another first for the show, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary next year, team members include puppets: On the red team comedian and former King of the Jungle, Joe Pasquale is joined by America’s Got Talent winner, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and his sidekick Sam. Against them in blue are magician’s assistant and former Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Debbie McGee and puppeteer, Richard Cadell, along with the legendary Sooty and his pal Sweep.
Bargain Hunt presenter Natasha Raskin Sharp and antique experts Tim Weeks and Thomas Forrester, do their best to keep the contestants in check, but with cheeky puppets trying to steal the show it’s not an easy task. The red and blue teams have an hour to race around Southwell Antiques fair in Nottinghamshire looking for three items to sell at auction. But when Sweep opens his own stall the shopping descends into mayhem - especially when he starts squirting his customers with water!
The chaos continues at the auction in Derbyshire where Pudsey and the teams soak up the atmosphere in the sale room. There’s another appearance from Sweep behind the rostrum, wielding auctioneer Charles Hanson’s gavel! Dozens of specially donated charity lots go under the hammer - including a pair of Debbie McGee’s dancing shoes from Strictly Come Dancing, and a set of authentic Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets from the iconic television show. When the final hammer falls, the total raised for BBC Children In Need is almost £20,000, a Bargain Hunt record.
The show also sees Debbie McGee, Richard Cadell and Sooty visit the Evelina London Children’s Hospital to see how Rays of Sunshine, a charity funded by BBC Children In Need, is supporting unwell children and young people in hospital by providing entertainment to help make a positive difference to their emotional wellbeing.
The Bargain Hunt Special will be broadcast on 15 November 2019 at 12.15pm on BBC One, ahead of the BBC Children In Need appeal night on Friday 15 November. Bargain Hunt is a BBC Studios production.
Comedian, Joe Pasquale, says: "Over the years I’ve been asked to do a few things for BBC Children In Need... so to be able to combine doing something again this year with one of my favourite antique shows... I jumped at the chance!”
BBC Radio Berkshire presenter, Debbie McGee, says: ‘‘BBC Children In Need is so important and as I have always loved Bargain Hunt it was the perfect way to get involved. I am delighted to do what I can for this very special charity.’’
Ventriloquist, Paul Zerdin, says: “I’m very excited to be involved in this year’s BBC Children In Need campaign. I’ve been associated with a couple of amazing children’s charities over the last few years; also Sam was excited to hang out with Pudsey and Sooty again!’’
Puppeteer, Richard Cadell, says: “Both Sooty and I have always been fans of the show, so it was a joy to take part. Throughout our work, we have been fortunate to meet a lot of children - some of them not as fortunate as others. It is wonderful to try and make a difference to these children’s lives; hopefully people who grew up watching The Sooty Show will be encouraged to donate to this incredible charity.”
Bargain Hunt presenter, Natasha Raskin Sharp, says: “Filming this year’s BBC Children In Need Bargain Hunt episode was rather surreal - watching Sooty, Sweep and Sam search for antiques was something I never imagined I’d witness!”
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