Q&A with Rochelle Humes
The BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is back with an all-star line-up of presenters.
Published: 7 November 2017
What I love is the fact that everyone goes the extra mile whether it is the EastEnders cast putting on a musical or that amazing moment last year when we had the most incredible sketch with Eddie Redmayne and Mel and Sue. It was such an amazing spoof!
What do you love about hosting BBC Children in Need?
There’s such a positive vibe and everyone is in such top spirits. Everyone wants to do it proud and when you see the hard-hitting films, you are really aware of why you are there that evening. What I love is the fact that everyone goes the extra mile whether it is the EastEnders cast putting on a musical or that amazing moment last year when we had the most incredible sketch with Eddie Redmayne and Mel and Sue. It was such an amazing spoof!
BBC Children in Need has played such a big part in everyone’s life, including my own ever since I was at school, and it is the reason why so many celebrities want to get on board because they have such a close connection with it. On the night itself, we have really great things happen.
What did it feel like last year when the totalizer came in to say you had raised a staggering £46 million (which then rose to £60 million)?
When the totalizer comes in, you know how you are doing and last year, we were just totally gobsmacked. This will be my fourth year of helping present and I have seen the money go up over the years - even when the country is in a recession or going through bad times, everybody puts their hand in their pocket to help someone less fortunate. It makes you feel proud to be British and it’s amazing.
It’s your second time hosting with Marvin. Are you looking forward to working with your husband?!
It’s nice working together as you are obviously so in tune. It’s nice because we don’t do it too often. I think if we did, it probably wouldn’t be! We will be hosting later on in the evening and there’s a really good atmosphere with some great music acts.
Which stories really tug at your heartstrings?
They all do. I have to watch the films before because I could not go to it fresh on the night. I get the films on the DVD a couple of days beforehand and I could watch them every day until I am 70 - they would still make me emotional. It’s hard watching children and parents in tough situations. Anything with children gets to me. It’s never an easy watch.
Is your eldest daughter getting excited?
She knows we work on BBC Children in Need and because I have been doing it for four years now, she has known I have done it all her life. Her friends do bake cakes at school and she is looking forward to it. I love it that children do get involved doing things like going in non-uniform.
What would you say to viewers watching?
If you can, please do donate. If everyone gave a little, then we can raise so much and that is how it works. We are always going to have new reasons to raise money. There are always going to be children in need.
