Ade Adepitan
Children in Need 2016
Published: 16 November 2016
It shows the best side of us as a nation. The UK is a caring country and that is what it should be about. In this day and age where there is so much focus on individuals, Children in Need highlights that we do come together. We help each other out.
What was your reaction when the BBC approached you about hosting Children In Need for the first time?
I couldn’t believe it! I got an email from my agent when I was in Rio and I noticed it during an ad break whilst we were on live. I had look at it twice. The text said ‘would you like to do it?’ and my initial thought was ‘is my agent having a laugh?!’ Of course I said yes but I had to check it wasn’t a mistake! Then when I got back from the Rio, I felt so over the moon about the fact I am going to be part of the evening.
It’s the first prime time show for you that isn’t related to sport isn’t it?
Yes it is. I can remember when Children in Need came to Stoke Mandeville hospital to host an event around 1998. They made us feel really special and it was really cool. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that nearly 20 years later, I would be hosting Children in Need with Graham Norton.
Aside from hosting, what else are you looking forward to about the evening?
The fact that I will be there on the night! Now as it gets closer to the evening, I am buzzing so much. I am also looking forward to some of the live acts that will be on our show, the films, audience and the whole experience. Live TV is the closest to the adrenaline rush you get when you play international basketball. Not many things match that!
Do you get nervous doing live TV?
Yes I do, as I do playing basketball. It’s the adrenaline rush.
Do you find the Children in Need stories humbling to watch?
It’s quite hard watching them but it is an important part of the evening. You never know what life is going to throw at you. And one day, touch wood that will never happen. But something could happen tomorrow and Children in Need gives people a much-needed helping hand. It shows the best side of us as a nation. The UK is a caring country and that is what it should be about. In this day and age where there is so much focus on individuals, Children in Need highlights that we do come together. We help each other out. What is surprising when you watch these things is you think surely people can’t give any more money than last year?! And then at the end, you see tens of millions. It’s a real ‘wow’. It never ceases to amaze me how generous people can be. It’s so heart-warming.
What are your own recollections of Sir Terry Wogan?
I never met him but I saw him at the BBC rehearsing for Children in Need. I used to present a kids TV show and the Children in Need studio was next door. I’d go and watch him rehearse. I was always a little bit shy to talk to him. I also did a segment where Children in Need went to different parts of the country and I was in Northumberland where Sir Terry threw it over to me to introduce a competition. That’s the closest I got to meet him but what an institution and a legend he was. I remember watching him as a child on his chat shows and listening to him on the radio. His voice was so familiar. When you think of Sir Terry, you think of the BBC and all the good things about British TV.
Do you hope the nation will dig deep for Sir Terry this year?
I think what he did for Children in Need was fantastic. I think it must have got harder as other charity shows sprung up but Children in Need really has stayed relevant and it does capture people’s imagination – mainly because of Sir Terry.
What are your own favourite Children in Need moments?
I suppose for me it is watching the live acts. It is one of those shows where it has a sense of joy. There are not many things on TV, which you can sit down as a family together and watch. People should be challenged. Everything should not be sugar and sweet. There are things that go on in the world which are quite sad and we should be aware of them. It helps us to understand and make us better people.
Would you ever do a charity challenge for Children in Need …. maybe a 24 hour basketball game?!
What a wonderful and great idea! You could get celebrity teams to play wheelchair basketball against one of mine! And yes of course I would say ‘yes’ even though I guess after about 12 hours, you might be wondering why you did!
How does it feel to be such a great role model for young people?
That whole role model thing is always quite strange. In reality, it is nice to have a positive impact on other people. I understand the power of role models. I remember growing up and watching people like Daley Thompson. They are really important people.
