BBC Children in Need 2025 - Everything you need to know

Pudsey and pals are back to bring Autumn cheer, heart and sparkle to living rooms across the nation live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm Friday 14 November.

Hosts, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu will lead the much cherished Appeal Night, presenting a jam-packed evening of sketches, performances, and special moments - with the sole aim of raising life-changing funds for children and young people across the UK, and viewers will also get the opportunity to meet some of the young people who are helped by BBC Children in Need.

Calling on the nation to come together, everyone is invited to get involved and donate to help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in communities across the UK. Money raised will help the charity ensure there’s someone able to give food, clothes and beds to a child living without; someone qualified to talk to a child who is anxious, isolated or grieving; someone trained to mentor teenagers in communities facing inequality, violence or lack of opportunity; someone to be there for children living with serious illness, disability or carrying a load that’s just too heavy to manage alone.

The need for donations has never been greater as right now the charity is only able to help 1 in 6 projects that ask for money.

• Watch Children in Need Appeal Night from 7pm on Friday 14 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Appeal Night Highlights 

The three-hour extravaganza, broadcast live from MediaCity UK in Salford will treat viewers to special Children in Need collaborations with much loved BBC titles including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators and The Apprentice.

Viewers can expect to see an Apprentice rarity, when the tables are turned on Lord Sugar as he faces a boardroom grilling from a tough new set of junior apprentices, and viewers will also get an exclusive taster of the highly anticipated festive episodes of The Celebrity Apprentice: Christmas Specials – where 12 celebrity candidates have been challenged with creating festive biscuits for BBC Children in Need.

And contenders get ready for a new class of Gladiators! The family favourite show is turned on it’s head when a set of mini (but powerful) Gladiators enter the arena for an epic showdown.

And The One Show returns with The Challenge Squad ready to take centre stage.

The One Show Challenge Squad are a group of inspirational young people, who have been supported by BBC Children in Need and championed by The One Show as they take on personal fundraising challenges. This year two members of The Challenge Squad will fulfil their personal challenges in front of a studio audience on Appeal Night, with Kat performing a special duet with Sam Ryder, and Eloise throwing herself in to a musical theatre challenge, on skates with the cast of Starlight Express.

There will also be an extra special music performance from BBC Children in Need supporter, Lewis Capaldi.

A much loved and cherished element of the Appeal Night, the BBC Children in Need Choir will perform a wonderful arrangement of Coldplay’s Yellow - Pudsey’s favourite colour. The choir will feature 16 children from across the 15 BBC nations and regions, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects.

Throughout the night, appeal films will feature some of the children and young people whose lives have been changed through the support of BBC Children in Need.

And assuming (and hoping) all goes well, Radio 2’s Sara Cox will arrive at the Salford studio, having completed her gruelling 135 mile challenge, ready to find out how much she’s raised after taking on the distance of five marathons across five days. Starting on the Monday of Children in Need week, Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge will see her run, jog, and walk through sweeping moorland, steep ridges, and the rolling hills of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, all while carrying a very special Pudsey Bear backpack. This marks Radio 2’s longest-ever BBC Children in Need challenge in terms of duration.

And there are even more pawsome surprises on the way for Appeal Night, but bear with us as Pudsey will reveal more details in due course. All we can say for now, is please be prepared to be furry excited.

Meanwhile in Salford...

Ahead of the evening show, there will be a party atmosphere at MediaCityUK, Salford on the big day, Friday 14 November, with social media star, DJ AG serving up the tunes and live streaming a four hour set from the Piazza outside the Children in Need studio, where he will endeavour to complete his BBC Children in Need challenge of an epic live stream which will see him bring on board 25 guests!

The viral DJ is famed for his community focused, live streams from London’s Kings Cross, Brixton and care homes with previous performances from music lovers young and old, emerging artists, and the more established including Skepta, and JME, Jessie J, Rita Ora to name but a few.

And through the night, official backstage hosts, social media stars, Ash Holme, Charley Marlowe and Jack Remmington will be capturing all the behind scenes fun and action presenting from the celebrity 'Yellow Room' – live streaming guest interviews, and interviews with fundraisers on the official BBC Children in Need digital channels.

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Q&A with Appeal Night Presenters

Mel Giedroyc

You are the longest serving presenter on the team - why BBC Children in Need?

It’s one of my favourite nights of the year, genuinely. It’s an honour to be invited back each year. I love the way we are a gang of presenters and that we film it in Salford. The vibe there is very special.

Do you have a favourite BBC Children in Need highlight?

Seeing Paddy McGuinness’s face when he came into the studio after his epic challenge last year was unforgettable - I don’t think he quite realised how much he’d raised!

Would you ever sign up for one of the epic BBC Children in Need challenges?

I’d consider a three-legged race (walking, of course) with Sue Perkins.

Is there a particular sketch from previous years that stands out as your all-time favourite?

The Star Wars one from a few years ago where Barbara Windsor is revealed as a wookie was pretty epic !

If you could sum up BBC Children in Need in three words, what would it be?

Life-affirming, joyous and humbling.

Rochelle Humes

What is it about presenting BBC Children in Need that keeps you coming back?

Honestly, it’s one of the biggest privileges in my job. Every year, the show brings the nation together and you see first-hand the incredible difference the charity makes, and it just fills you with so much purpose.

What do your family think of your role in BBC Children in Need? Do they get involved in some capacity?

The kids always ask about Pudsey, of course! They love getting involved in their own little ways, whether that’s at school or just watching along at home in their pyjamas.

What would you like to say to viewers who are tuning in to watch this year’s show?

Firstly, thank you. By simply tuning in, you’re supporting something so special. I’d say get ready to be entertained, moved, and inspired. There will be laughs, maybe a few tears, and lots of moments that remind you just how powerful we are when we all come together.

Is there a project funded by BBC Children in Need that is particularly close to your heart?

It’s impossible to choose just one, because the variety of projects that Children in Need support is just phenomenal, but I’m always especially moved by initiatives that help children with their mental health and wellbeing. As a mum, I know how important it is to nurture that side of things early on.

What message would you like to share with all the amazing fundraisers taking part this year?

Never underestimate the impact of what you’re doing. From me, and from every child you’re helping, thank you.

What are your favourite highlights?

The highlight for me is always the atmosphere in the studio, but especially when we reveal the final total. In that moment, you really see the best of the British public shining through.

Vernon Kay

You are back for a second year as a host, what’s your favourite part of presenting for BBC Children in Need?

My favourite part of presenting Children in Need’s Appeal night, is knowing that what we are doing is going to have a huge positive effect on so many kids.

Does the generosity of the public during BBC Children in Need continue to surprise you?

Always! It constantly surprises me especially in a cost of living crisis, the Great British public always have a little bit put to one side give to great charities like BBC Children in Need

What has your involvement been in BBC Children in Need over the years, and why is it important to you, to continue that involvement?

In 2023 I took the BBC Children in Need challenge for Radio 2, running 116 miles from Leicester to Bolton in four days. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and to raise £6 million along the way was just incredible. Now, to be hosting the show and walking in the footsteps of Tess – who worked alongside the great Sir Terry Wogan – feels really special. It’s like keeping it in the family. Children in Need is such a cherished charity, and I’m constantly reminded of its impact by people who stop me in the street to share what it’s meant to them.

Do you have a favourite memory of BBC Children in Need?

For me, Sir Terry Wogan hosting it with Tess was always a highlight every year. He was a legend.

What’s the atmosphere like behind the scenes during such a massive live production like this?

Frantic! Everyone running around making sure everything is alright, it's a huge team effort to pull off such a big show.

Paddy McGuinness

Last year you completed a mammoth BBC Children in Need challenge, riding a chopper for miles across the North of the UK, and this year you are joining the presenting line up – Why is BBC Children in Need extra special to you?

Being a dad makes me very aware of how precious children are. Childhood should be a time of innocence and fun. If there’s any way I can help to give them that, then I will. BBC Children in Need brings us all together with one common goal: making a child’s life better.

You raised an astounding £10.5million for BBC Children in Need. A year on, how does it feel?

It’s hard to put into words - it almost feels like someone else went through it. Like I was just watching from above, a spectator among all those incredible people who took part. Maybe one day it’ll really sink in. If there’s one thing I’ll take away from it, it’s the sheer number of people, young and old, who lined the streets to cheer me on. I’m so grateful.

BBC Children in Need has been going strong for over 40 years, what do you think is the secret to its enduring appeal?

The significance of the show is massive! The Appeal night is the night we get to meet all the children and young people that BBC Children in Need supports.

And the innocence of youth combined with the silly fun we have while raising funds brings people together for a very special evening. It never loses that childlike mischievousness.

What are you most looking forward to about the BBC Children in Need Night of TV?

I’m looking forward to the live studio audience, meeting the children, the fundraisers and the charities and not being sat on a bike seat!

How does it feel to present a show that’s been part of British culture for generations?

It’s a real honour to present such an iconic BBC show. I’ve been lucky enough to host and be a part of all the big UK televised charity events. From Comic Relief, Sport Relief, Stand Up To Cancer, The Big Night In, Text Santa and now finally, BBC Children in Need!

Lenny Rush

This is your third year presenting, what’s your favourite part of being a presenter for BBC Children in Need?

My favourite part of being a BBC Children in Need presenter is having the honour of meeting so many amazing, inspiring people and having the opportunity to hear their stories! I also feel so lucky to be able to present a show for a charity, that means so much to so many people.

Is there a project funded by BBC Children in Need that is particularly close to your heart?

A particular charity that is close to my heart, is Little People UK (LPUK). It is a charity that delivers support and a sense of togetherness for people with dwarfism, and their families. I remember going to one of their annual events for the first time, when I was about 7 years old, and it made me so happy to see everyone coming together, and celebrating who we are, despite our challenges!

What are the unique challenges of presenting a long live show like BBC Children in Need?

The most challenging aspect of live tv, is timing! You’ve got to keep to a tight schedule, and the show can’t run over! But the challenge makes it more fun!

How important is BBC Children in Need for younger generations?

What role does it play in shaping their understanding of charity? BBC Children in Need is so important to younger generations, giving children an understanding into what a charity does (such as fundraising). Children in Need manage to do this through fun, engaging the younger generations, and giving them fundraising skills that they will eventually use in adulthood!

Sum up BBC Children in Need in three words?

Important, Fun, and Family!

Big Zuu

You are new to the BBC Children in Need presenting team– what was it about the show that made you want to get involved?

BBC Children in Need is a standout incredible cause, that everyone who has ever worked in telly, probably wants to be part of it. It is something I grew up watching, it always looks really fun, and it has a great cause at the heart of it - so it’s something I’ve always wanted to be involved with.

How does it feel to present such an iconic show that’s been a part of British culture for generations?

There's a little bit pressure but I've been lucky enough to work on so many incredible things in telly and with the charity as well, so it’s bringing all the things that I love together. We're helping people have fun, making live television, and all for such an iconic programme. So I feel honoured, but there's a little bit of anxiety there.

What has been the reaction of your friends and family to you presenting this year’s event?

Very surreal. I don’t think they still believe that I have quite the stature to present such a show. So I guess I feel like I'm on trial – it feels like I'm on loan to a big football club!

They're all really excited, and a bit anxious for me to be doing such a prestigious role.

What message would you like to share with all the amazing BBC Children in Need fundraisers?

Thank you for your money, thank you for everything you do and thank you for supporting such an incredible cause! Hopefully we can raise as much money as possible this year and carry on helping good people.

What should you say to viewers tuning in to watch this year’s show?

I would say, be ready for some big energy, something fresh, something different. Be ready to have some fun AND get your hands in your pockets and get the money in! That's what we're here to do, here to raise some money and have a good night. So hopefully you guys can enjoy it with me.

What are type of charities that BBC Children in Need fund that you would say are particularly close to your heart?

The ones I resonate with the most are ones that take care of carers, and also take care of parents. I think youth work projects are very close to me, because I used to be a youth worker.

After studying youth work at university and working as a youth worker earlier in my career, I know how crucial it is for young people to have a trusted adult that they can talk to who believes in them and the power this can have in helping unlock their potential. So, joining the line-up to present the iconic BBC Children in Need is a dream come true.

Supporting BBC Children in Need this year is easier than ever, to learn more about the charity or make a donation to help transform the lives of children and young people across the UK, visit bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

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