BBC Children in Need 2024

Published: 5 November 2024

We've got everything you need to know about this year's live entertainment extravaganza, including three hours of comedy, music and surprise guests, starting 7pm on Friday 15 November - all to help raise funds for BBC Children in Need.

The Live Show

Get ready for a night of heart and sparkle! BBC Children in Need is back and brighter than ever, a must-watch event that lights up the viewing calendar and warms the hearts of audiences everywhere. The three-hour extravaganza broadcast live from MediaCity UK in Salford promises to dazzle the nation whilst raising life-changing funds for children and young people across the UK. The need has never been greater as the charity is only able to fund 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask for money.

Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey and Lenny Rush will present a jam-packed evening of sketches and performances featuring well-known faces as you have never seen them before.

Highlights on the night include:

This year, for the first time ever, the BBC Children in Need Choir will feature children from across all parts of the UK who've been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects. They'll come together in the studio to sing the anthemic Take That classic 'Never Forget'.

Graham Norton's Red Chair is back with a twist as a group of children from BBC Children in Need projects decide the fate of some famous faces who attempt to make the children laugh. Fail and they and the chair will be tipped up.

The One Show's Challenge Squad, which features young people who have been supported by BBC Children in Need projects, will culminate in two live performances in the BBC Children in Need Studio, alongside some very special guests including the multi-platinum selling artist Ella Henderson. The audience can also expect a special performance from the cast of COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman, which is a brand-new Circus Spectacular.

There is an out-of-this-world treat for Doctor Who fans as BBC Children in Need launches a very special auction. Plus, the fifteenth Doctor himself - Ncuti Gatwa - introduces a world exclusive preview from the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Paddy McGuinness will find out the total raised by his Radio 2 Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, which will see him cycle through three nations and eight countries in aid of BBC Children in Need's 2024 Appeal.

Also viewers can look forward to a visit from the stars of BBC's Gladiators, as you've never seen them before as well as a very special performance from Strictly Come Dancing as the professionals are joined by a Global Superstar. Other treats include an important pitch in Dragons' Den and a very special CBeebies Bedtime Story.

Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines. This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK.

Throughout the night, appeal films will feature some of the children and young people whose lives have been changed through the support of BBC Children in Need, and the project workers who work tirelessly to help them.

More highlights from the evening - including comedy sketches - will be announced in the coming weeks.

BBC Children in Need will air at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 15 November.

Presenters Q&A

Ade Adepitan MBE

Is there a charity or cause funded by BBC Children in Need which is particularly close to your heart?

Quite a few years ago BBC Children in Need funded a charity called Go Kids Go. They are really special to me because they are the charity that discovered me: they got me into wheelchair basketball, they spotted me on the streets of East London, and they helped fundraise - and got some money from BBC Children in Need - which went towards one of my first wheelchairs. So, quite simply, without Go Kids Go I might have never made it as an athlete, or as a TV presenter. So I owe them a lot.

What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes on such a massive live production?

Organised chaos! No, it's actually really exciting. There's so much going on: lights getting sorted, crew moving around, different acts coming in and out - it's just such an exciting, wonderful celebration to be a part of. There's also a lot of nerves, a lot of tension, but we all know that we are doing something really special. But behind the scenes is amazing. Sometimes I think we should shoot behind the scenes as well as what's going on in front of the camera!

What would you like to say to viewers who are tuning in to watch this year's show?

I'd like to say a huge, huge thank you. The generosity of the British public never ceases to amaze me. The last few years have been so tough, so difficult for so many people, I would have understood if people had not donated, or donated a little less. But it seems every year people go out their way, they seem to go the extra mile and it says to me how amazing the British public are. It's inspiring and it's heart-warming. Being part of BBC Children in Need makes me proud to be British when you see how the public respond to the show.

What has been the reaction of your friends and family to the news of you presenting BBC Children in Need for another year?

I haven't told anyone yet! Other than my wife who is really happy, especially because our son really loves it. He's nearly four, but watching BBC Children in Need was the first time he saw his daddy on the telly, so his memory of me on TV is always going to be around BBC Children in Need. So, it's a special show for our family.

What are the unique challenges of presenting a live show like BBC Children in Need?

It's managing your emotions. It's a really powerful show and it's about getting the tone right. There are moments of extreme joy within the show - live acts, wonderful performances, comedy - and then you go to sections which are really powerful and emotional, and you hear people's stories about how these charities have changed their lives. Trying to capture the truthful tone of the show, and keeping it real, it keeps you on your toes (or on your wheels) at all times. Thats what makes it so unique and so special.

What was your first experience of working on BBC Children in Need?

The first time I ever presented on BBC Children in Need, I presented an outside broadcast live from Carlisle. Daniel Bedingfield was the headline act and I had throwback to the studio live to Terry Wogan. It was really early on in my TV career and it was absolutely bonkers but an absolute honour.

Mel Giedroyc

This is your eighth year presenting the show-what's your favourite part of being a presenter for BBC Children in Need?

It's one of my very favourite "work" nights of the year. If you can call it work! It's the incredible feeling in the studio in Salford of everybody coming together for this brilliant life-affirming reason - hearing from kids and watching their stories. That's what it is all about. I think it brings out the very best of us all.

What are the unique challenges of presenting a live show like BBC Children in Need?

Now that I'm an oldster in my 50s I need to be very careful that I have enough snacks to keep me going! And also hankies. I'm very prone to weeping at anything these days. Some of the stories that we feature are very emotional, which is great and what makes the show so unique and important.

What message would you like to share with all the amazing fundraisers taking part this year?

I am in total awe of you! Whatever it is you are doing please keep doing it! And make sure you have enough snacks!! Every single person that is out there doing all of those incredible things is truly awe-inspiring and shows us that anyone literally ANYONE can be a total hero. They are the beating heart of the show. The fundraisers. The communities. It's brilliant and it unites us.

Have you ever participated in any BBC Children in Need fundraising events or activities? If so, which ones?

I used to love doing the cake stall when my kids were small. I got massively invested, and I have to confess, a little bit bossy. I started to give all the mums and dads on the stall a kind of pep talk, and would insist that we could not dismantle the stall until every cake had been sold! I think the power of it went to my head a bit. There was also a lovely Australian woman who baked Anzac biscuits (sounds like an antidepressant - it isn't - they were special Oz-themed biscuits). They were a bit dry and I hate to admit this but some of them never made it to the stall…

In your opinion, why does BBC Children in Need continue to be so important year after year?

It is unique. It can reach so many people. It helps so many kids in so many different ways. The projects are brilliantly researched and nurtured. It is loved. It is very, very special and must be protected at all costs.

Is there a particular moment or story from the appeal films that has stayed with you after the show ended?

I am always particularly moved by the stories of young carers. Kids who are looking after sick parents. These extraordinary young people who are putting others' lives before their own, who are often putting in a whole day at school before coming home to do what is a full job of work at home. They are staggering, these young kids. I love the way that BBC Children in Need can support them through the various different projects that they are allied with.

Rochelle Humes

You've presented the show before-what's your favourite part of being a presenter for BBC Children in Need?

Where do I even begin? I think my favourite part has to be the energy of the night. There's something so special about everything about it; the way the whole country comes together, from everyone at the studio to the amazing people at home, all for one incredible cause. And being there, front and centre, to witness all that generosity and kindness is such a privilege.

Does the generosity of the public during Children in Need continue to surprise you?

Every year I'm completely blown away. You'd think after seeing it so many times, I'd get used to it, but it's the way people come together and just give whatever they can. It reminds me every year how much love and care there is out there, even in tough times. It's beyond inspiring.

How significant is the show in terms of the help and support it provides to families across the UK?

It is incredibly significant. Children in Need isn't just about one night of fundraising; it's about real, lasting change for so many families. The money raised goes into essential projects that support children facing all sorts of challenges-whether it's mental health support, disabilities, or even just providing safe spaces to grow and learn. These are life-changing moments for families in need of this vital support.

How do you think BBC Children in Need has evolved over the years?

Every year, it just gets bigger and better-more innovative, more creative, and definitely more ambitious. But at its heart, the message is still the same: helping children and families in need. I love how it stays true to its core while constantly pushing forward.

If you could sum up BBC Children in Need in three words, what would it be?

Inspiring, community and hope.

How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for presenting a show that has both light-hearted moments and deeply emotional stories?

You're dealing with such a range of emotions-one minute you're laughing, the next you're hearing these heart-breaking stories. I just always take a moment before the show to remind myself of the bigger picture-why we're doing this, who we're helping and remembering we're just there to steer the ship. And, of course, there is always an amazing team around.

Vernon Kay

What has been the reaction of your friends and family to you presenting this year's event?

I didn't tell the kids or any of the family - only Tess knew I'd been offered the gig - so they all found out when we announced it on The One Show along with everyone else! They're buzzing for me. My kids we're such a huge support and motivation for me during my Ultra, Ultra Marathon challenge for last year's Appeal, and as much as they enjoyed watching me sweat, I think they'll be relieved to see me in the studio this year.

In your opinion, why does BBC Children in Need continue to be so important year after year?

I'll be really honest with you, I've always watched BBC Children in Need and knew it was doing incredibly important work, but until I completed my challenge last year, I had no idea of the sheer scale and number of children BBC Children in Need actually helps. It's absolutely vast. The volume and variety of projects - some big, some small - that are supporting young people in communities across the UK is just mind-blowing. It really is such a privilege to be a part of it.

How does it feel to be presenting such an iconic show that's been part of British Culture for generations?

BBC Children in Need has always been a big deal in our house, as you'll know Tess presented for years alongside Sir Terry, so it's a really big deal for me to be a part of it. There's the emotional element of being part of something that's doing so much good, but also the practical (terrifying!) element that it's a massive production and millions of people will be tuning in. I'm going to be wearing my lucky underpants on the night that's for sure, and I'll be tapping Tess up for some tips in these next few weeks.

What message would you like to share with all the amazing fundraisers taking part this year?

You lot are absolutely amazing! Whether you're baking cakes, running marathons, or sitting in a bath of beans, you're making a huge difference. Every pound helps and you really are helping to change lives. So a massive, massive thank you to each and every one of you.

What would you like to say to viewers who are tuning in to watch this year's show?

Get comfy, grab some snacks, and enjoy the show! BBC Children in Need brings the nation together - old and young. It's gonna be a cracking night with loads of surprises, and we're doing it all to help those who need it most. So, let's have a laugh, shed a tear or two, and raise some serious cash!

What are you most excited about for this year's BBC Children in Need event?

I know that all the teams behind the scenes have been working day and night pulling everything together for the big night. There's some incredibly exciting stuff which I've been sworn to secrecy about, at the risk of me jinxing any of it (you know how superstitious TV producers are!), so I'm just so looking forward to everything coming together on the night! We're going to have some particularly special guests - including a sparking line up of celebs, some incredible fundraising challenges and awe-inspiring young people.

Chris Ramsey

Can you tell us about your involvement with BBC Children in Need?

I've had the honour and the privilege to work with BBC Children in Need for some time now, including being one of the host for the main TV show for the 5th year in a row now. It's always a joy to be part of and a real pleasant surprise to be asked back again and again.

You've presented the show before-what's your favourite part of being a presenter for BBC Children in Need?

The entire night is honestly phenomenal. It's funny, warm, moving, emotional as well as being massively entertaining from start to finish… but I'm not going to lie… I absolutely love the totaliser! When we get to revel how much we have raised at the halfway point and at the end point of the night, that's the magic! That's ultimately why we are all there.

What are the unique challenges of presenting a live show like BBC Children in Need?

I imagine there are loads, but the team behind us and my fellow presenters are so good that the entire thing normally wizzes by in the blink of an eye! (I really hope I haven't just jinxed it!!)

What message would you like to share with all the amazing fundraisers taking part this year?

You're all fantastic! Honestly, I know that sounds like a stock phrase, but you are giving your time and effort to help a brilliant cause, so no matter how much or how little you raise, you're doing a brilliant thing and you should be proud! And thank you!

Does the generosity of the public during BBC Children in Need continue to surprise you?

Every. Single. Year. In my time hosting we've had pandemics, we've had cost of living crisis, we've had all kinds of social and political factors that could easily result in us raising next to nothing… but every year the public give what they can and it's always astonishing.

What would you like to say to viewers who are tuning in to watch this year's show?

We hope you enjoy the fantastic night of entertainment we've got lined up for you, it's going to be epic as usual, obviously, if you can give anything at all, please do, but if you can't… just enjoy the show!

Lenny Rush

Can you tell us about your involvement with BBC Children in Need?

I am presenting for the second year in a row. I am so excited, I absolutely love it! It's an honor host one of the most iconic events on TV.

What are you most excited about in this year's Children in Need event?

I think I am excited to see all the amazing fundraising again and how much everyone puts into everything. I am excited to be up there and presenting. It's such a buzz.

What message would you like to share with all the amazing fundraisers taking part this year?

I think good luck and thank you because it really does help! Even the smallest things have a great impact.

Do you have a favorite memory of any BBC Children in Need past show?

I wasn't hosting in 2022 but I really enjoyed doing a comedy sketch for Children in Need. It was like The Office and I played the 'Head of Celebrity Phone Based Communications'. I really enjoyed doing that. It was my first time doing anything for Children in Need. I loved it!

In your opinion, why does Children in Need continue to be so important year after year?

I think it's because of some of the struggles happening out there. It's just important to sort of remind people of that. There can be some tough, challenging parts on the show, but it is sort of a time when everyone in UK comes together. We all just celebrate the goodness as well. We all do something for a good cause.

What's the atmosphere like behind the scenes in such a massive live production?

There is a lot happening and a lot of people rushing around, but like I said it's just such a buzz. I can't wait to do it again!