Q&A with Ade Adepitan
The BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is back with an all-star line-up of presenters.
Published: 7 November 2017
It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of the British public. Even when we are going through hard times, people are still able to dig deep in their pockets and find that money.
Are you looking forward to being one of the presenters on this year’s BBC Children in Need?
I am so excited! Last year I did it for the first time and that was mind-blowing, especially when you have grown up watching a show like that and the fact Sir Terry Wogan was so involved in it. What’s lovely for me is the fact BBC Children in Need has helped me personally as well as many others at Stoke Mandeville.
How did BBC Children in Need help you?
When I was at Stoke Mandeville, BBC Children in Need came as part of their road show. They fundraise to support all the sport initiatives that took place at Stoke Mandeville and that’s when I started playing basketball. By helping to provide money, it made it easier at Stoke Mandeville for me to carry on going. It was always a highlight of the year when BBC Children in Need came during the games. And so to go from that to hosting it was bonkers! It was surreal being on the stage. And it’s more surreal to be asked back. I am speechless I am doing it again!
You raised so much on the show last year…
It was an incredible amount. It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of the British public. Even when we are going through hard times, people are still able to dig deep in their pockets and find that money. However many problems, we are having in the UK, people still care.
Do you find it nice that so many people do care?
Yes definitely. At the end of the day, nobody knows what is going to happen tomorrow and touch wood it doesn’t happen but sometimes unfortunate things or a series of events are out of your control and you need a helping hand. That’s what BBC Children in Need does. It helps people struggling and who are going through horrendous situations. It’s more than just the money. It’s the fact they know they are not on their own and other people are out there willing to help them. That really boosts you emotionally and mentally
What do you love about the evening?
Live TV is nuts! Last year was the first time I did an entertainment programme as I’d done a lot of sport and I was really nervous. Of course, that nervous excitement and energy gets you through the night and that’s what it is all about. And it adds to the fun.
Do you love the entertainment side?
The entertainment is just amazing. It really makes you smile. BBC Children in Need takes me back to my childhood of when we watched it at home - the entertainment, performances, comedy, all of that. There are heart wrenching stories and people who it’s helping but it is also the fun and laughter of the night. It says however hard things are and whatever bad things you are going through, we can always smile. They can stop you from doing a lot of things but they can’t stop you smiling.
How proud are you to be helping carry on Sir Terry’s legacy?
I am incredibly proud. It’s a total honour to be doing something like this. My mum is going to be really happy and my family.
Would you love to raise even more this year?
It’s quite a challenge. Wow, if we can raise even more and help even more people! But to me, whatever we can raise if we can then help people, that’s actually what is the most important thing to me. I don’t think we should put pressure on people to try and raise more, but if it is more then fantastic. Whatever we do, if we can make people’s lives better, that is just brilliant.
Are you looking forward to hosting alongside Tess?
I am really looking forward to it. We’ve met a few times but I’ve never worked with her.
And finally, would you do anything different to help raise more money?
If it’s going to raise money, yes I will go in a tank, parachute, I will do whatever you want! Let’s get silly and let’s have fun.
Of course on the night we want to inform people and raise money but we also want to bring joy around the country and we want everyone to watch with the whole family. We want to make sure it is an entertaining and funny night.
