Rochelle Humes
Children in Need 2016
Published: 16 November 2016
Last year we broke a record on how much we raised in one evening. It was £37.1 million and that is a lot of money! We are aiming to beat that this year. I am looking forward to being a very small part of it and hopefully beating the target again.
You will be hosting the final slot with your husband, Marvin. You must be excited?
I know and I am really looking forward to it! Obviously it is his first time presenting the show but he has been with the boys on the programme before performing. It should be a really good night.
Have you given Marvin any tips?
I have always said how much of a great time I have had on the programme. There is always such a buzz in the building, everyone is there for the right reasons and it is a really nice atmosphere. He is excited too.
Do you get nervous doing live television?
I am always a little nervous but there is such a buzz on the night and that is why you love doing live television.
What do you love about the Children in Need evening?
The evening itself is what we are all there for - to raise as much money as we can. I have seen myself where the money goes and every year, it gets more touching and harder to watch. Last year we broke a record on how much we raised in one evening. It was £37.1 million and that is a lot of money! We are aiming to beat that this year. I am looking forward to being a very small part of it and hopefully beating the target again.
Do the stories pull at your heartstrings?
Definitely. I am a mum and as a parent anything to do with a child, whether it’s a happy or sad story, will always break my heart. That’s what happens when you are a mum. Even if you don’t have children, when you hear parents that may have lost children, is it the unthinkable situations that people are going through on a daily basis. They are very much living with that and it is hard not to feel touched and emotional.
Before the night itself, I always like to see the films just to prepare myself. I like to know what I am going to see. But if you do get a tear in your eye, what can you do? We are all there because we care and we want to raise as much money as possible. I am pleased Marvin is there this year as well because I always try to get everyone behind it. I am really happy to be playing my part. I am desperately hoping we raise lots of money in honour of Terry.
You presented the 2014 show with Sir Terry. What are your own recollections of him?
I absolutely loved him. He was such a lovely guy, he welcomed me, he was so lovely to me and we got on really well. He had a wicked sense of humour and he made it so easy. Last year we rehearsed together and we were supposed to do it again but sadly, he wasn’t too well and we couldn’t. But he was at home willing us all on. He was a really lovely man and I am pleased Children in Need can continue his legacy.
Do you feel lucky to have worked with Terry?
I learned so much from him. I was like a sponge around him; it is hard not to learn from him, as he was in the business for so long and just so lovely. Sometimes, you meet people who have been in the business for a long time and they are quite reluctant to help or nurture you. But he was so supportive and we got on so so well.
Would you ever take on a gruelling physical challenge for Children in Need?
Of course I would if they came to me but I am not sure I would be any good! I feel lucky to be there on the night itself.
As a mum, does Children in Need make you appreciate how lucky you are to have a healthy and happy child of your own…
Of course! It totally does as you instantly imagine yourself and your child in that situation. It’s the unthinkable but it’s the reality for some people and that is desperately sad. It’s so nice to have the whole of the UK get behind it and the individuals. We only show a tiny percentage of people who are out there who are suffering. It is nice that the UK does get behind everyone and feels passionate to say ‘I really want to help them’, which is what Children in Need is about. It makes you proud.
Does it ever cease to amaze you how generous the nation is on the night?
It’s amazing. A lot of people have grown up with Children in Need. When I was young at school, we did things and now my daughter does the same. It touches a lot of people’s hearts. Everyone mucks in and realises how important it is. It shows support for the charity.
As you and Marvin are hosting the final slot of the night, we guess you won’t be bringing your daughter on set?!
It’s way too late! I am sure she would love to join in but that is when grandparents come in handy! They will be helping us that night.
Are you almost in sync with each other when you work together?
If you have a good working relationship, you are with whoever your co-host is but yes, we are husband and wife and so we are!
