2 weeks Ago
Vernon Kay, Rochelle Humes and Mel Giedroyc talk about preparing for the big night of Children in Need 2024, and why it’s so important. It’s almost time for one of the year’s most exciting nights of television: Children in Need is just around the corner, and its line-up of presenters old and new are preparing for the big night of fun and fundraising. Wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan MBE, former The Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, comedian Chris Ramsey and actor Lenny Rush are returning as hosts for the epic evening, while former The Saturdays member Rochelle Humes makes her first presenting appearance on the live show since 2019 and Bolton broadcaster Vernon Kay steps onto the stage for the very first time.
“I didn’t tell the kids or any of the family – only Tess (Daly, his wife) knew I’d been offered the gig – so they all found out when we announced it on The One Show along with everyone else!” reveals Kay, 50. “They’re buzzing for me..
. BBC Children in Need has always been a big deal in our house – as you’ll know Tess presented it for years alongside Sir Terry (Wogan) – 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.” Kay is joining quite the crew of presenters for Children in Need 2024, all of whom – no matter how long their tenure – love the whirlwind events of the night and the significance of the appeal show. “It’s one of my very favourite ‘ work ’ nights of the year – if you can call it work!” gushes Giedroyc, 56.
“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.
” “It is incredibly significant,” agrees Humes, 35. “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.” So, what do we have to look forward to on the night? “There’s some incredibly exciting stuff which I’ve been sworn to secrecy about..
.” Kay teases. “I’m just so looking forward to everything coming together on the night! We’re going to have some particularly special guests, including a sparkling line up of celebs, some incredible fundraising challenges and awe-inspiring young people.
” So far, we know that there’ll be a special treat for Doctor Who fans in the form of an auction and an exclusive preview of the Christmas special from the Doctor himself, Ncuti Gatwa; raucous games as the fate of celebrities in Graham Norton’s Red Chair is handed to a group of kids from Children in Need projects; a Strictly Come Dancing show featuring a global superstar; and a special performance from the cast of circus spectacular COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman. Plus, for the first time ever, the BBC Children in Need Choir will feature children from across the UK who have been supported by funds raised, coming together in the studio to sing the classic Take That song Never Forget. All of this is, of course, happening for a very important cause.
Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help Children in Need continue to work in communities around the UK, including funding community spaces, family centres, youth clubs, refuges, homeless shelters, hospices and helplines, and we’ll get to hear from some of the children whose lives have been changed by this support throughout the show. While the presenters are preparing for a busy evening of live broadcasting, supporters across the UK are getting stuck into fundraising. Bake sales, sponsored challenges – or, if you’re Bolton's Paddy McGuinness, taking on a 300-mile ride across three nations on a classic Chopper bike – there’s so much going on in support of the cause, and our hosts fondly recall the various ways they’ve helped fundraise over the years.
“Last year’s knee-ruining run from Leicester to Bolton was brutal, one of the toughest things I’ve ever done,” says Kay of his 115-mile Ultra Ultramarathon in 2023. “I’m thrilled to be joining you from the comfort of MediaCity this time!” BBC Children in Need will air at 7pm on Friday, November 15 on BBC One and iPlayer..
