Big names in music and entertainment are coming together for the annual ‘BBC Children in Need Appeal’ show on Friday, 14 November 2014.
The glittering night will be live from Albert Square, the home of the EastEnders, featuring prominent guests and show-stopping performances. Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by a new host for the ‘BBC Children in Need’, The Saturdays singer and presenter Rochelle Humes.
BBC Children in Need life president Sir Terry Wogan said, “It was my privilege to present the very first Children in Need in 1980 and over the years it has truly become the British public’s charity. Their extraordinary generosity has meant that their donations of over Ł740 million have made a real difference to the lives of this country’s disadvantaged children and young people. It’s an honour and pleasure to be part of a great charity and I am looking forward to presenting an evening full of entertainment with the usual suspects, Tess, Fearne, Nick and our new host Rochelle.”
The fantastic five welcome an array of stars as they join together to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. A stand-out moment on the night will come from legendary cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, who star in an exclusive cartoon made especially for BBC Children in Need, alongside the BBC’s faces and shows.
Humes said, “I’m so excited and honoured to be asked to be part of the presenting team for BBC Children in Need this year. I hope everyone tunes in on the night to support this amazing cause and really make a difference to children across all parts of the UK.”
There’s a special treat in store in Walford, as some famous faces from ‘EastEnders’ history will return to Albert Square in an exclusive sketch to be broadcast on the night, when one character is visited by some infamous ghosts from their past.
BBC One controller Charlotte Moore said, “It’s a stellar line-up and promises to be a spectacular Children in Need night. From Gareth’s fabulous All Star Choir to the Rickshaw challenge and the surprise characters returning to ‘EastEnders’, everyone is pulling out all the stops to raise money for children all over the UK, so don’t miss it!”
Headlining on the night is Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir, starring, among others, Jo Brand, Mel Giedroyc and Craig Revel-Horwood performing the official BBC Children in Need single for the first time on television; One Direction; Cheryl; The Script – who will be performing in The Queen Vic – Susan Boyle and Boyzone.
This year, BBC Children in Need puts the children into Strictly, as Strictly Come Dancing hosts a special performance featuring the return of Sir Bruce Forsyth, alongside Tess Daly as hosts.
Four talented young ballroom champions will be taking to the Strictly dance floor in teams alongside professional dancers, in a Strictly first, dancing head-to-head in a bid to win the Pudsey glitterball trophy.
BBC executive producer Paul Wright said, “BBC Children in Need is one of the biggest nights of the year on British television that millions of people enjoy. I’m very proud of the spectacular line-up we’ve brought together and they are all taking part for one special reason – to raise money for disadvantaged children throughout the UK. It’s going to be a great night!”
There will also be performances from the West End’s hit musicals ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Made in Dagenham’, ‘Once’ and ‘Sunny Afternoon’.
Moreover, the cast of ‘EastEnders’ will transform The Square in a musical performance. Also helping out Pudsey on the big night will be Doctor Who and Call the Midwife.
Back for its fourth year, The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge will culminate live on the night, after following five young people – each supported by BBC Children in Need-funded projects – on their journey across the country.
BBC Children in Need CEO David Ramsden said, “This year’s Appeal is really special, thanks to so many truly talented people coming together to help make a difference to young lives right here in the UK. It is going to be a fantastic show.” More entertainment on the night will be revealed later.
