Children in Need 2022 is here, bringing us a night of great entertainment as celebrities team up to help raise money for charities which the BBC says will "provide vital frontline support to children and young people across the UK during the cost of living crisis".
This year there's plenty to look forward to as the broadcaster has revealed there'll be exclusive sketches, exciting performances, music, dance and "a few BIG surprises", so those tuning in to the annual show should have plenty to look forward to.
Viewers should expect special takeovers of iconic shows such as Blankety Blank and The Repair Shop, with some of the nation's biggest stars coming together to raise money and help out those who need it most.
Want to know more? Here's everything you should expect from Children in Need 2022...
When is Children in Need 2022?
Children in Need airs live on BBC One on Friday, November 18 from 7 pm. Viewers can also tune in or watch on-demand via BBC iPlayer.
Who are the Children in Need 2022 presenters?
Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott MBE and Jason Manford have all been confirmed as Children in Need 2022 presenters.
For comedian Jason Manford, this is his first time presenting the fundraiser and he spoke to the BBC about why he decided to do it. Jason said: "It's always been a charity that I've been involved with. I've fundraised for it in the past and obviously watched the night from when I was a child myself.
"It's a charity that helps children from lots of different areas and backgrounds, but specifically for me, being from a background — an underprivileged background — myself, being able to help a charity that helps those children means a lot to me."
Ade Adepitan on presenting this year's Children in Need
How does it feel to be back doing Children in Need again this year?
Ade: "Really good! This is the sort of time that my mind starts focusing on Children In Need because it’s kind of like the home run and we’re starting to prepare and start talking about it. I’m getting into Children In Need mode right now and it feels good!"
Does it still feel like a bit of a thrill to get that call every year, confirming that you’re coming back?
"It's a massive thrill every year when I get that phone call or that email, that confirmation to say ‘yep, you’re on this year’s show’, I’m just buzzing, really really buzzing, and I just feel honoured to be asked to come back."
You mentioned it’s a live show — how do you prepare for that?
"Pray the autocue doesn’t go down! [laughs] No, we have quite a few rehearsals, we get our scripts and run through them. I like to get the script through my head so I know the running order, and just understand what’s going on in each section of the show, but we’ve got a really professional team that are there and supportive."
You’ve got your co-hosting team — Mel Giedroyc, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott. What are they like to work with?
"I’ve not worked with Jason before, but I’m really looking forward to it — I think he’s going to be a superb addition to the team. But Mel, Alex and Chris are hilarious. We just have fun. It feels like a real family, we’re getting with a nice little team huddle at the beginning and just support each other. Because we know it’s not about us, it’s about the people that Children In Need is helping, it’s about the British public. I spend the whole time that I’m up in Manchester just smiling, grinning from ear to ear."
What is the Children in Need 2022 line-up?
There are some great specials airing as part of Children in Need 2022 including...
Blankety Blank
In a special edition of Bradley Walsh's game show, a group of junior panelists have a go at filling in the missing words. Former Strictly finalists John Whaite and Maisie Smith will be the celebrities hoping their words match.
The Repair Shop
Jay Blades and the team will be working their magic on a treasured item belonging to a member of the public. Expect a hugely emotional reunion as, in a TV first, the big reveal takes place on the Children in Need stage.
Graham Norton’s Red Chair
Some big stars settle into Graham's Big Red Chair to tell us a personal anecdote. But it won't be Graham deciding if they get to walk away or are ejected in an undignified manner — it will be a group of cheeky youngsters.
The Weakest Link
Romesh Ranganathan will be in the studio to present an episode of The Weakest Link with a uniquely Children in Need twist. But who will be the contestants — and will they be able to hold their nerve and show off their general knowledge skills?
Junior Eurovision
The BBC is entering the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for the first time and, ahead of the live final on December 11, the singer representing the UK will perform their song live on TV for the very first time.
And more singing and dancing...
In addition to these great shows, there will be performances from Lewis Capaldi and dance troupe Diversity, who will be performing a piece they have choreographed especially for the night. Plus, the BBC Children in Need Choir is back with a special rendition of 'Somewhere Only We Know' by Keane.
Viewers will also see The Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Awards, and the BBC has announced two awards that are brand new for 2022: one for young fundraisers and one for adult fundraisers. Michael Ball will be announcing the winners on the night.
Are there other specials airing outside of the live show?
Yes, Matt Baker and a team of five incredibly inspiring young people, take on a relay-style ride over five days in Rickshaw Challenge which will air on Tuesday, November 15 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Speaking about the documentary, Matt Baker said: "I’ve been doing the Rickshaw Challenge for the last 12 years and it is the highlight of my year. It’s such a special thing to be a part of, and every year I get to cycle alongside truly incredible young people as they share their stories with me.
"The Rickshaw Challenge is at the heart of what BBC Children in Need is all about – it’s a testament to the work of the projects funded by BBC Children in Need and it shows that if you give young people an opportunity, and support them, you’ll watch them fly."
There's also a DIY SOS Children in Need special where Nick Knowles, and his trusty team of Chris, Jules, Billy & designer Gabrielle Blackman to help provide a much-needed safe space for vulnerable girls and young women living in Leeds, supporting the charity Getaway Girls.
How can we get involved in Children in Need 2022?
The BBC Children in Need website has all sorts of details about fundraising efforts and the latest news, and you can also donate via their website too.
In addition to an online donation, you can also call 0345 7 33 22 33 and make a donation over the phone, pay in your fundraising money at all major banks, building societies, or the Post Office, or you can text the word DONATE to one of the following numbers depending on your amount:
- To donate £5 text DONATE to 70405
- To donate £10 text DONATE to 70410
- To donate £20 text DONATE to 70420
- To donate £30 text DONATE to 70430
