‘Even in the darkest of times there are charities that can really make a difference’
what’s great about the show, that anything can happen.
“So, it’s an entertaining night, it’s a heartwarming night and it’s a life-affirming night because we all know that even in the darkest of times there are charities like BBC Children in Need that can really make a difference.”
Chris Ramsey says: “Being a presenter for BBC Children in Need’s Appeal show is one of the proudest achievements in my career and it is always an honour to be asked.”
He laughs: “I scream all of my swear word allocation for the day into a pillow in the hotel before the show, have a cuppa, maybe a banana and make sure I know where to stand.
“People need help more than ever and people need a laugh and to be entertained and brought together more than ever. So if you can give anything on the night, please do, but if you can’t, just enjoy the show we’ve got lined up for you.”
Mel Giedroyc has her own pre-show routine: “Some loud music, some laughs and that unbelievable feeling of feeding off the crowd in the studio before we go live on air.
“The core of the night is always those incredible appeal films. They are the absolute reason that we’re all there in the studio and viewers are watching at home.”
Mel has fond memories of the fundraiser and says: “I’m not sure if I have fabricated this in my mind, but did Angela Rippon appear one year bearing an enormous cheque dressed as a belly dancer?
“I also remember the legend that is John Craven doing a rap at the end of our BBC Children in Need single a few years ago. We got to number one.
“I met Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters and I was able to hold my head up and say, ‘Dave, I have had a number one single in the UK. Have you?’ I don’t think he had.”
Alex Scott says she also has many great memories of the show: “The amazing Sir Terry Wogan, the Pudsey challenges, all the BBC
1966: Who Stole The World Cup? Monday, Channel 4, 10pm
It is one of the most iconic images in British sporting history, when Queen Elizabeth II presented England captain Bobby Moore with the gleaming Jules Rimet Trophy at the old Wembley Stadium in 1966. However, it almost never happened, as the trophy was stolen just months before the tournament.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar this weekend, this documentary, narrated by Alan
Ford, looks at the tale, which involves spivs, wide boys from south London, the Flying Squad and a dog named Pickles, is worthy of any classic British crime flick.
Louis Theroux Interviews – Bear Grylls
Tuesday, BBC2, 9pm
Adventurer Bear Grylls invites Louis Theroux,
pictured, to spend time with him on the private island where he and his wife Shara spent the summer.
Louis is determined to get under Bear’s skin to find out what really makes him tick, an interrogation that begins with some tough questions about his subject’s spell at boarding school, a period in which he was taken to see a number of self-help gurus.
Bear also takes Louis on a Scout troop trip in south London, a Marine Reserve training camp and to Cornwall, where he’s the guest of honour at his family’s own adventure festival.