Marvin Humes
Children in Need 2016
Published: 16 November 2016
I love the show, I love watching the show, I want to help and it’s why we continue to raise record-breaking numbers. The fundraising element is fun.
Are you excited about presenting Children in Need with Rochelle?
Yes! We are doing it together! Oh man when I got the phone call asking if I would present Children in Need, I couldn’t believe it. From when I was a kid, I have grown up watching Children in Need, I sang their official song in 2010 but yeah to be now part of the night is mind blowing. It’s a pinch yourself moment to think I am presenting on the show and also to be presenting with Rochelle - it’s a dream come true. I am so excited. It’s a great opportunity and most importantly, it is being part of a fantastic charity and helping raise lots of money.
Do you love the buzz of live TV?
Definitely. There is nothing like live television and Children in Need is one of the biggest nights on TV.
Do you get nervous?
Desperately. I will be really nervous before we go on. It’s such a big show. Rochelle and I are used to hosting live shows now but Children in Need is a British institution. It’s massive but once I am in the flow, I will crack on and enjoy it.
Some of the stories can be pretty emotional can’t they?
They are totally emotional. Seeing what Children in Need has done over the years and the millions upon millions of pounds they have raised to help children across the UK is incredible. They are tough to watch, a heart breaker and emotional but the night is on for a reason - to highlight why we are raising the money. It’s a cliché but even as little as five pounds can make a huge difference and ultimately save lives.
Do the stories make you realise how lucky you are?
100% yes especially since I have become a dad. I have spent time in Africa on charity trips and across projects in the UK. 100% since being a father, it makes you appreciate what you have. They do pull at your heartstrings because you think ‘that could be my child’. You picture your child in the situation and think about what that child is going through and how you would cope. I am truly grateful for how lucky I am. It’s another reason why Rochelle and I have been associated with Children in Need, Comic Relief and Sport Relief. They do fantastic things for an amazing cause to raise a lot of money.
Do you find it heart-warming so many people donate?
It is getting tougher but charity is an incredible thing. We all give to charity over the years but there are so many different charities that you can support. But there is something special about Children in Need. I love the show, I love watching the show, I want to help and it’s why we continue to raise record-breaking numbers. The fundraising element is fun. Even yesterday my daughter bought a pair of Pudsey ears and a key ring and Rochelle and I had to explain to her who Pudsey was. I know in her school she is going to be doing some games and it’s a new generation coming along. It will continue and it is also nice for Children in Need to live on in the memory of Sir Terry and what he achieved. It’s really important to all of us.
What are your own recollections of Sir Terry?
He was an absolute gentleman. I had the honour of interviewing him on This Morning with Rochelle and again, I was really nervous doing that as Sir Terry has interviewed the biggest stars in the world. I remember sitting on the sofa and looking across at him. There was this moment where I stared into his eyes and thought ‘wow this is Sir Terry Wogan’. He was so charming, calm, and so welcoming, and he made us feel comfortable whilst we were interviewing him. He was such a lovely man. Everyone will have him in their thoughts on the night of the show.
Do you hope everyone will dig deep on the night for him?
It’s a chance to raise lots of money.
Would you ever take on a gruelling physical challenge for Children in Need?
I wouldn’t be able to swim, as I am not a great swimmer. It would be pretty dangerous. I love cycling and I remember the guys playing footy for 24 hours. It seemed fun and it was probably exhausting but that would be really cool.
What are you most looking forward to on the night?
I am looking forward to the occasion and being part of a fantastic line-up with Graham, Tess, Greg, Ade and obviously working with Rochelle. It’s going to be lots of fun. I know some of the acts that are going to perform and most importantly, it’s about raising a record amount of money so it’s going to be a great night. I can’t wait for it now…it’s really exciting.
It’s a shame you are on so late as otherwise your daughter could have come and watched!
I know! She won’t be able to stay up, as it’s too late. But at least we can record it!
