CHILDREN In Need is returning to our screens for the 2023 TV fundraiser.
Each yeah the telethon manages to raise millions for the children’s charity and this year is set to be no different.
What is Children In Need?
Children In Need is the BBC’s UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.
Since it began the annual televised appeals have raised a whopping £1.5billion over the years since 1980.
The mascot is Pudsey the bear who is yellow with a polka-dot bandage covering one eye.
There is also a female version of the bear called Blush and the pair are best friends.
The BBC devotes a whole night of programming for the telethon with the exception of 35 minutes reserved for the News at Ten.
Read more on Children In Need
Every year the show features various celebrities, and live links to charities being helped by the telethon.
The big night is also hosted by famous faces, and for the 2023 series Jason Manford, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott all take on the presenting duties.
Actor Lenny Rush is also due to help out with hosting for his first year in the job.
Talking about presenting the telethon, Lenny said: “Well, it was a massive shock, but the best shock ever, because obviously BBC Children in Need is one of the most well-known shows on British telly and I think it is such a great time for such a great cause. So, I am very excited.”
When was Children In Need launched?
The first Children In Need telethon was broadcast in 1980.
It managed to raise £1million and was hosted by Terry Wogan, Esther Rantzen and Sue Lawley.
Most read in TV
Originally it took the form of segments in between main programmes but was later developed into a single continuous show.
Terry continued to host the show up until 2014 – following his death in 2016 his family set up the Terry Wogan Fundraiser Of The Year award.
The BBC’s first broadcast charity appeal was a five minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day in 1927.
Children In Need became a registered charity in England and Wales in 1988 and in Scotland in 2008.
How can I raise money for Children In Need 2023?
The official website for Children In Need 2023 has lots of fundraising ideas and downloadable resources.
If you want to help out you can get a free fundraiser supporter kit.
You can also donate money directly to Children In Need right here.
Asda is also selling Pudsey themed pyjamas and slipper, of which at least 20% of profits will go to the charity.
When is Children In Need on?
Children In Need will be broadcast on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer on Friday, 17 November, 2023.
It will kick off at 7pm and will go on for three hours.
