Young at heart
THE HOSTS OF THIS YEAR’S APPEAL SHARE THEIR HIGHLIGHTS OF WORKING ON CHILDREN IN NEED…
It’s time to dig deep once again this week as the BBC’S annual fund-raiser for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK hits the airwaves on Friday. Treats include a Strictly Boyzone special – where the chaps attempt to lay the ghosts of their infamous appearance on Ireland’s
The Late Late Show to rest – an exclusive preview of the
Call The Midwife Christmas Special, and the obligatory song-and-dance spectacular from the Eastenders cast.
New boy Rob Beckett joins the presenting line-up of Graham Norton, Tess Daly,
Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc and Rochelle and Marvin Humes. Here, the hosts tell us why it’s such a special night…
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s telethon?
Mel I think it’s one of the most special nights on the BBC. It just feels like a brilliant coming together of people – I think it brings out the best in people, actually, as well as being really good fun with loads of entertainment. I’m very proud to be a part of it. Rochelle I look forward to it every year – the atmosphere is always electric in the studio and we just have so much fun, but all in the name of BBC Children In Need. The studio audience is always brilliant, and by the time we get to the live show, we’ll have seen how well the fund-raising is going, and everyone is really positive. It’s just a lovely atmosphere.
Why is this such a special night for each of you?
Ade Children In Need and I have got history – I grew up playing wheelchair basketball at Stoke Mandeville, and I remember when I was in the Junior Championships and Children In Need used to host part of its show there. They would support the players and help us with getting money for new chairs and sports equipment. Rochelle I grew up making cakes at school on nonuniform day and wearing Pudsey ears – and my kids do it now! To be part of that is just great.
Rob Me and my family would watch it all together – it was a huge event in our house growing up. I’m truly honoured to be asked to be involved in a British institution.
What have been your highlights from other years?
Tess One of my greatest highlights was to work
alongside the late Sir Terry Wogan. He was an absolute gentleman who had been there from the very beginning and it genuinely meant so much to him. He’s a legendary broadcaster and I just loved that twinkle in his eye and never knowing when he was going to go off-script!
Marvin I think breaking the record last year for the money raised was an amazing thing. We never start the process thinking we have to smash the previous year’s total, so it’s just incredible the amount of money we do raise. You always wonder whether it’s possible to keep breaking the record – but if we don’t, we’re still going to raise a hell of a lot of money, and it will be a good night regardless!