Children in Need 2023 is almost here, meaning it's soon time to put on those Pudsey ears for a night of fun, and most importantly, fundraising for the BBC’s annual SPOT-tacular event [DONATE here].
There's a great line up of hosts as well as some extra special events to provide plenty of entertainment as the nation bands together to raise funds to help those who need it most.
Here's everything we know about this year's show...
Children in Need 2023 date: when is it on?
The BBC's annual fundraiser, dedicated to raising money for the thousands of local charities and community projects helping little ones across the UK, will be broadcast live from MediaCityUK, Salford on Friday November 17 at 7 pm.
Children in Need 2023 hosts
Overseeing the three-hour entertainment extravaganza are returning hosts Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey, Mel Giedroyc, Alex Scott, Jason Manford alongside, for the first time, BAFTA award-winning star of Am I Being Unreasonable? Lenny Rush who, at 14, is the youngest ever appeal host.
"It's such an honour to have been asked," says Lenny. "It is so exciting; I can’t even explain how excited I am. I am also quite nervous as well, but I think the excitement outweighs the nervousness. I honestly can’t wait!"
What highlights can we expect on the night?
As always, Children in Need appeal night will feature a whole host of televisual treats to encourage people to donate.
There will be special parodies of popular BBC shows MasterChef and Race Across the World, featuring your favourite TV stars as you’ve never seen them before. We will update further details when we get them.
Also, in what's become something of a regular fixture on Children in Need, cheeky youngsters will be taking over Graham Norton's big red chair — with celebrities waiting to see if they'll be mercilessly ejected!
Lenny always looks forward to seeing the stars putting the fun in fundraising...
"My unforgettable moment of last year's show was Millie Gibson being announced as Doctor Who's companion," he says. "I had no idea I would be part of the upcoming series alongside Millie and new Time Lord Ncuti Gatwa, so it’s weird looking back on that now. It’s an absolute honour to be part of Doctor Who, one of the most iconic shows on television. What a dream come true!"
Fans should also expect to see a Race Across the World parody, which sees EastEnders' Ian and Cindy Beale (Adam Woodyatt and Michelle Collins) racing against Birds of a Feather’s Dorien and Tracey (Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson) and Waterloo Road’s Noel and Samia (Liam Scholes and Priyasasha Kumari).
The three teams will be racing across Yorkshire and they'll see some other famous faces along the way!
Meanwhile, Puppet MasterChef welcomes some of TV's most iconic characters to the kitchen where they'll be causing chaos as they try to impress John and Gregg.
Puppets taking part include Basil Brush, Zippy and George from Rainbow, Hacker T Dog and Dodge, and Teletubbies' Tinky Winky.
Children in Need: Will there be live challenges, too?
You bet! For this year's appeal, fans of The One Show have been following The Challenge Squad, which sees four inspirational young people, who’ve been helped by Children in Need, each take on a different challenge to help other young lives.
Well, two of our youngsters will be challenged live on the night, to bring us two moving performances - one that may have some Strictly sparkle!
Children in Need: What music acts will be appearing?
There's always more musical delights on Children in Need appeal night than you can shake a charity bucket at and this year is no exception.
Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne sings her track "My Love" for the first time on TV. There’s also a live performance from singer-songwriter Jerub, and BBC Children in Need choirs from across the UK will come together to sing a heart-felt rendition of You Raise Me Up.
It’s back to the Eighties with the cast of brand-new musical "I Should Be So Luck"y, featuring the songs of Stock Aitken Waterman, with a poptastic medley from Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley and Mel & Kim, featuring a very special appearance during one of their biggest hits.
Children in Need: How can I donate?
In amongst all of the night's entertainment will be powerful films reminding us of why it's so important to donate.
"There are so many subjects Children in Need covers: homelessness, abuse, disabilities and so much more; if people can donate this year, it will mean more than other years because it’s tough for everyone at the moment," says Lenny. "But for those who can’t donate, honestly, the support is there just by watching the show. Any way people can help will be greatly appreciated."
*For info on how to donate, visit bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
