I’ve seen homeless kids sleeping under staircases

The families we’re helping want to help themselves. That’s what’s so moving

She may be a Children in Need veteran, but the emotional tales still hit Jackie Bird hard.

“The most poignant moments are always of the charities, the children and the families,” says Jackie, who reckons she’s been involved for at least the past 17 years.

“I’ve wobbled so often when I see the films that are made. I actually need to watch them in advance.

“You simply can’t see one when you are unprepared for it. So I watch them in advance, do whatever I need to do, and then I’m ready to introduce them on the night.”

Jackie has been touched by many of those she has met through the years, including youngsters who have needed respite care and have then gone on to become carers themselves.

And families of children with Strictly professional dancer Luba Mushtuk knows all about the plight of some youngsters from her childhood in Russia.

“This is such an important cause and I’m so happy it’s such a big thing in the UK,” said Luba, who is taking part in Friday’s big Children In Need Strictly Special.

“I was born in St Petersburg where there’s a huge problem with homeless children. I grew up in a big building and there were children sleeping under the staircase.

“I would try to give them food, sandwiches or whatever, and when I was 10 years old, I remember telling my aunt that I wanted to be able to help when I grew up.”

The special sees Boyzone take to the Strictly dance floor alongside pro partners.

Luba is teamed with Shane Lynch and she says that despite having limited training time, he had plenty of potential.

“We had about three days together to do a quickstep and then a bit more time altogether for life-limiting illnesses. They are so stoical and even funny.

“And they are often raising money themselves, they don’t just sit and take and feel sorry for themselves,” she explained.

“That’s what moves you and is why doing Children In Need is such an antidote to being involved in news which is so often about man’s inhumanity to man.”

Jackie will get a first-hand look at where the money goes tomorrow on a visit to a riding school for children with special needs.

There is always plenty of entertainment on hand during Children In Need, with Jackie particularly recalling one musical highlight.

“Dougray Scott and myself were on stage doing backing vocals for The Proclaimers, how’s that for something to brag about?” the group number. I could see straight away that he is a natural dancer.

“We had so much fun and I used to do routines to Boyzone songs back in Russia, so it was a thrill.”

Luba joined the Strictly dance pros this series but while she has taken part in the group numbers, she wasn’t paired with a celebrity star.

“Shane is my first celebrity and I was so excited to get a chance to finally walk down the staircase in the studio.”