Children in Need 2013 BBC One HD, BBC One (not Wales, Scotland) 7:30pm - 10pm It’s a great cause, which explains why the nation has dipped into its recession-hit pockets over the past few years to donate extraordinary amounts of money to Children in Need. The 2012 on-the-night total almost hit £27 million despite fears that fallout from the BBC’s difficult year could affect our generosity.
Thousands of fundraisers around the country have been doing their bit in recent weeks and tonight their efforts are celebrated with the traditional extravaganza hosted by Terry Wogan et al. The show has a new home this year, which means that the EastEnders set will be used throughout the night and not just for the traditional song-and-dance number by the soap’s cast. No newsreaders this time, but skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are going toe-to-toe in a Strictly special while One Direction, JLS, Tinie Tempah, Doctor Who and the cast of Call the Midwife lend their support to the cause.
To get you warmed up for the night, Pointless and The One Show both have special editions being screened before the main event.
Terry Wogan and Tess Daly present another bumper evening of fundraising fun, which sees a massive line-up of stars singing, dancing or acting plain daft in support of disadvantaged children across the UK. The fun kicks off with the cast of West End smash Matilda singing a medley of songs from the show, boy band JLS performing some of their greatest hits in Albert Square and a treat for Doctor Who fans with an exclusive clip from the long-awaited 50th anniversary episode, which is being shown in just over a week, on Saturday, November 23. 8pm Ice-skating stars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean swap their skates for dance shoes to go head to head in this year's Strictly challenge. 8.30pm One Direction make their first appearance of the night, Gary Barlow introduces a nationwide choir of 1,500 children united in song and Frank Skinner banishes more celebrities' pet hates in a special edition of Room 101. 9pm Terry is joined by co-host Fearne Cotton as Harry Hill presents his own remake of a classic 1980s pop video - with a host of celebrity cameos - Albert Square also comes alive with dance, as EastEnders favourites demonstrate a multitude of styles, including Charleston, Bollywood, urban, tango and ballroom. The One Show's Alex Jones and Team Rickshaw complete their week-long 700-mile journey, the cast of Call the Midwife tackle a song-and-dance medley, and Ellie Goulding performs the official Children in Need single, How Long Will I Love You. Continues after the News and National Lottery Update.
CastHost -Terry Wogan
Host -Tess Daly
Host - Fearne Cotton
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