The 44th BBC Children in Need star-studded telethon is nearly upon us, with proceeds going to local charities and organisations that support children and young people across the UK.
Sometimes referred to as Pudsey Bear Day, the annual event sees millions of pounds raised for worthy causes across the nation.
Last year, the event raised a massive £33.5m and the organisers will be hoping to raise even more this year.
As always, celebrities will be taking on personal challenges and presenting the annual telethon to encourage the public to open their wallets for the charity.
First introduced in 1985 as the event’s famous mascot, Pudsey Bear will also be spotted around the country during fundraisers, and on TV.
With dates and some of the schedule already confirmed, here’s what we know about Children in Need 2024 so far.
When is Children in Need Day 2024?
Children in Need’s telethon will air live on BBC One and iPlayer at 7pm on Friday, November 15.
You will also be able to catch up later on iPlayer. The show will feature some of the fundraising challenges local communities and celebrities alike are taking on to raise money, as well as showcasing the inspiring stories of young people who are helped via Children in Need.
Who will present Children in Need?
After taking part in an ultramarathon last year, Vernon Kay will join the presenting line-up for BBC Children in Need’s live telethon in 2024.
He’ll be joined by Rochelle Humes, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey and Lenny Rush.
You can also expect other celebrities to make appearances in VTs or brief cameos to encourage donations.
Who is Pudsey Bear?
Pudsey Bear became the symbol of Children in Need back in 1985. It was created by Joanna Lane, a designer at the BBC, who named the bear after a town in West Yorkshire.
This year will be the yellow bear’s 39th birthday.
The mascot was an instant hit and has remained a symbol of the annual event ever since.
Ahead of Children in Need 2024, Pudsey will be making an appearance around the country and visiting a number of organisations and events.
What is the Strictly Come Dancing competition?
As Children in Need is organised by the BBC, plenty of its shows are getting involved to help raise money.
Strictly is running a competition that will see the lucky winner given two tickets to the Strictly Come Dancing grand final on Saturday, December 14 at Elstree Studios, as well as an exclusive VIP backstage experience on spin-off show It Takes Two and a two-night hotel stay, complete with spa treatments, food, and travel.
You can enter via text or phone and find all the terms and conditions here.
Which celebrities are taking on challenges?
After Kay’s ultramarathon last year, Paddy McGuinness is taking on a massive physical fundraising effort.
His UItra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need sees him cycling 300 miles through three nations, starting in Wales, travelling through England, and finishing in Scotland.
McGuinness’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge started during the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday, November 11. His BBC Radio 2 colleague Kay has been vocal in supporting his friend along the way.
You can follow his journey and apply for tickets to be at the finish line in a special event hosted by Zoe Ball in Glasgow via the Paddy tracker.
The charity founded by Sir Tom Hunter, the Scottish entrepreneur and businessperson, is matching donations for Paddy’s challenge.
What is the Girls Aloud Children in Need song?
Noughties pop group Girls Aloud will be releasing a special version of their hot 2004 charity single I’ll Stand By You for this year’s Children in Need.
This year’s version will feature lead vocals from original band member Sarah Harding, who passed away from breast cancer in 2021. The featuring vocals were discovered earlier this year when the band was putting together archive material for the arena tour.
The single, which is called ‘I’ll Stand By You – Sarah’s Version’, debuted at the beginning of November on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
Proceeds from the single will benefit BBC Children in Need projects working with children in communities across the UK facing a variety of challenges, including those supporting children with cancer.
A treat for Doctor Who fans
Fans of the long-standing BBC drama Doctor Who will have a chance to acquire the 15th incarnation of the Time Lord at a special auction at this year’s Children in Need event.
Plus, Doctor Who himself, Ncuti Gatwa, will be introducing an exclusive preview from the show’s upcoming Christmas special.
What else is happening?
Elsewhere in the world of Children in Need, The One Show and BBC Radio 2 have teamed up to welcome back the Challenge Squad: a group of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding.
They are working with Alex Jones, Roman Kemp, and more famous faces – soon to be announced – to encourage more people to join in on fundraising.
Countryfile is also organising its tenth ramble, coming to Derbyshire this year. Even if you’re not local, you can also organise your own ramble to do your part for Children in Need.
More events and challenges are sure to be announced in the run-up to Children in Need, and there’ll be some surprises on the night.
