The stars of this year’s BBC Children In Need are ready to do their bit

Graham Norton with the full line-up of presenters of this year’s BBC Children In Need show

An all-star presenting line up, an unforgettable night of entertainment and millions raised for charity: it’s time for BBC Children In Need 2018.

More than 2,500 projects that are helping children in communities across the UK are supported by the charity, which aims to help young people facing a range of disadvantages, whether it be living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.

And the mammoth appeal show, first broadcast in 1980, always makes for an amazing night of television – all with the help of Pudsey Bear of course.

For Graham Norton, some of the things he most enjoys about the night include “the chance to hang out with Mel Giedroyc, who is a joy” and “the other is being able to see these stories of people who are helped by BBC Children In Need – that is always a highlight”.

He adds: “There aren’t many things that unify this great country, but BBC Children In Need is one of them.”

Here, we chat to all of the presenters to find out what’s in store this year.

Comedian and TV presenter Rob Beckett, 32, has just landed his first stint as a host for Children In Need.

The fresh-faced star has had to win over audiences as a stand-up comedian, so you have to wonder how he’s feeling about the mammoth task at hand.

“The thing is,” says Beckett down the phone, “I try not to get too worked up over stuff like this. My mum’s always told me just because the situation changes, doesn’t mean you have to.

“So I’m just going to try and treat it like any other normal day I’ve presented really. If you overthink it, that’s when you panic yourself and stress yourself out.”

Each year, the appeal show is filled with incredibly emotive and moving stories from all around the country.

Beckett says: “My main worry is that I’m going to get upset seeing all the videos. I’ve got two little kids, so I might have to close my eyes when the videos are on, because I’ve got to try and compose myself to present.”

He’s resolute when asked if the nation’s fundraising generosity is a tonic to the sometimes dreary headlines these days.

“I think it’s always good when times are tough to still care about those who really need help.”

For Ade Adepitan, 45, being part of Children In Need is incredibly inspiring.

He also knows first-hand how amazing the work is that Children In Need does as he grew up playing wheelchair basketball at the Stoke Mandeville spinal unit.

“I remember when I was in the junior championships when BBC Children In Need used to host part of their show there and they would support the players and help us with getting money for new chairs and sports equipment.”

As well as it being such an important show to be part of, former JLS member Marvin Humes loves the opportunity to work with wife, Rochelle, whose other presenting credits include Ninja Warrior and This Morning.

The 33-year-old says: “There’s no one better to work with than the person you know best and is your best friend, so I’m really lucky to be working with her.”

Mel Giedroyc, former presenter of The Great British Bake Off, says: “It genuinely makes me feel proud to be British and I think the support brings out the best in human beings.

“It’s just a really important thing and I urge everyone to get involved in whatever way that they can.”

The star, who will take the reins alongside Norton, adds: “The evening is such a hoot, but we can’t be pompous about it. Of course there are highs and lows throughout the show, but essentially, I think, it really brings out the best of people.”

There have been so many great celebrities who have taken part in Children In Need over the years.

Most memorable of those perhaps is the late Sir Terry Wogan, and working alongside him was one of Tess Daly’s greatest highlights.

“He was an absolute gentleman who has been there from the very beginning,” says the Strictly Come Dancing host, 49.

“He spent all year working on various projects and donated money to BBC Children In Need. He was so incredibly generous and it was such a privilege to work with him. He is a legendary broadcaster and I just loved that twinkle in his eyes and never knowing when he was going to go off script!”

“There aren’t many things that unify this great country, but BBC Children In Need is one of them”

● Children In Need 2018 airs on BBC1 on Friday.