I’m in awe of how this brings people together
Graham Norton is bringing out his famous red chair for Children In Need and the stars are coming out to play. MARION McMULLEN finds out why the fundraiser is so special for Graham and co-presenter Alex Scott
THE Repair Shop, The Wall, and I Can See Your Voice are all planning show specials, Ed Sheeran is doing an exclusive performance and Team GB and Paralympics GB will be getting together to compete in an epic sports day.
It all means Children In Need will be taking over BBC1 on Friday and Aunty Beeb’s annual extravaganza will be broadcast live for the first time from Media City UK in Salford in the UK’s biggest multi-camera purpose-built TV studio.
BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans, has accepted the challenge to drum constantly for 24 hours and musicians from around the country will spur him on.
Mark Richardson, drummer from Skunk Anansie and Feeder will support Owain, and help rally the troops to play with him, while Pub Landlord Al Murray, Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain and Dame Evelyn Glennie will all take part to inspire him to keep going until the very end.
Owain says: “I really hope that together we can raise huge amounts of money for what I think is going to be a monumental challenge. My poor dainty arms!”
Graham Norton is also bravely letting a group of children preside over the notorious lever of his chat show’s red chair and letting them decide the fate of any celebrities brave enough to sit in it.
He will be hosting the glittering evening of fun and fundraising alongside
Alex Scott and fellow presenters Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc and comedian Chris Ramsey.
This year’s campaign, Together, We Can, aims to raise funds that will support the local charities and projects providing essential frontline help to young people in communities throughout the UK.
So just what does Children In Need mean to Graham and Alex?
What are you most looking forward to in this year’s show?
Alex: I‘m always excited to be part of the BBC Children In Need programme, but this year is super special. I honestly can’t wait for an evening of fun and entertainment for a great cause – not to mention presenting with Graham, Ade, Mel and Chris.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most important nights in the broadcasting and fundraising calendar. Graham: I can’t wait to hear the extraordinary and inspirational stories of hard work and courage from all around the country.
alex this is your second time presenting the show, what do you love the most about taking part in BBc children in Need?
Alex: Everything. I said last year how special it was for me to be part of the show I remember watching every November as a little girl. If only little eight year-old Alex could see me now!
So much work goes into this behind the scenes to produce what you see – a brilliant evening of fundraising and entertainment. Graham: A highlight for me was the Countryfile presenters’ dancing. That was special. John
Craven had a belt buckle bigger than his head!
What encouragement would you give to fundraisers this year?
Graham: Have fun and enjoy yourself – and thank you for being part of such a special fundraiser.
the show turned 40 last year. Does it ever cease to amaze you how generous the nation is?
Enjoy the show, give what you can and be proud of what you’ve achieved Alex Scott
Alex: Last year was a tough year for many in the UK and we still raised so much. BBC Children In Need has an incredible, long history of doing tangible positive things and this resonates, even in incomparably difficult times.
The generosity we saw in 2020 was just so special. Graham: I am always in awe at how BBC Children in Need brings everyone together, and the generosity of the British public never ceases to amaze me.
What is your favourite part of the show?
Alex: I have to say it’s the music acts for me! I am a big music fan and I love watching the artists perform live and do their thing.
I also, of course, love when the final total is announced because it’s just such a memorable moment every year.
Graham: I really love seeing the round-ups from different parts of the country, everyone getting involved, all the schools, and town centres, everyone is there joining in. It’s incredibly moving.
There aren’t many things that unify this great country but I do think BBC Children In Need is one of them. I love that everyone is working together for the greater good. It’s one of those rare occasions when the whole country is inspired to join together to support some truly inspirational causes.
What would you say to viewers tuning in from home?
Alex: I’d say enjoy the show, give what you can and be proud of what you’ve achieved.
Whether you’ve taken part in something at school, helped your kids donate or have contributed in some way – whatever it is, it’s not the same without you – so thank you and see you on the 19th.
Children In Need starts on BBC1 on Friday at 7pm.