Famous faces unite to raise money for Children in Need

Children in Need

(BBC One, tonight, 7.30pm & 10.40pm)

THE nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, which can mean only one thing – it’s time for this year’s Children in Need.

The epic telethon’s appearance in our schedule is a sure-fire indicator that winter really is here and that Christmas is only just over a month away.

The event was first televised in 1980 and since then has raised more than £950million for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, and you can bet that another large chunk of cash will be added to that total once this year’s event has taken place.

This time the theme is ‘do your thing’, with celebrities urging the public to raise money any way they feel like it, from rambles to knit-a-thons, three-legged races to once in a lifetime challenges, bake sales or baths of beans. Blue Peter has even reintroduced its famous bring and buy sales after a 10-year absence.

“BBC Children in Need is a charity incredibly close to my heart and I once again want to ask everyone across the UK to get involved and show their support,” says The One Show’s Matt Baker, who is leading this year’s Rickshaw Challenge. “Together we can make an impact on the lives of children and young people across the UK who really do need our help, so come on everyone, do your thing for BBC Children in Need.”

TV presenter Ore Oduba adds: “Earlier this year I visited an incredible project funded by BBC Children in Need and it really did bring to life how the generosity of people from all corners of the UK goes on to change young lives. I want to call upon people up and down the UK to once again get involved and do their thing, I promise you it really will make a difference.”

Of course, the fundraising is already well under way; the BBC Children in Need Rocks concert took place last week and was set to be broadcast last night, with performances from George Ezra, Jeff Glynne, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Rod Stewart among the highlights.

The main event on Friday evening is split into two parts, with the first kicking off at 7.30pm when Tess Daly and Ade Adepitan introduce a performance from a hit West End musical before members of the Children’s Choir from across the country join together to sing in unison.

Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc take over presenting duties ahead of more fun and surprise guests. The Rickshaw Challenge reaches its conclusion live in Salford and the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need special also takes place before the break at 10pm.

At 10.40pm, Marvin and Rochelle Humes take the reins alongside new co-host Rob Beckett, who can’t wait to get started: “It’s a British institution and a wonderful charity, so to be asked to help out is a huge honour.”

There’ll just be time for more performances to take place before the most important event of the night – the moment when the final grand total is revealed.