Children in Need: What time does it start and which celebrities are involved?

Children in Need turns 40 this year

Children in Need returns to our screens tonight with a three-hour charity fundraiser.

While the pandemic means things may look a little different, the BBC has ensured that the show will still go on to mark the charity event’s 40th anniversary.

Viewers at home can expect to enjoy musical performances, comedy sketches and the premiere of the star-studded Children in Need charity single.

All this is done to raise money for disadvantaged children across the UK at a time when they need it the most.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Children in Need 2020 appeal show.

What time is it on?

The Children in Need live appeal show kicks off tonight (13 November) at 7pm on BBC One, with the show running through until 10pm.

The show will be presented by Mel Giedroyc, Stephen Mangan, Alex Scott and Chris Ramsey.

Who is performing?

From the pop world, Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes will be performing a song, with McFly and Beverley Knight also making musical appearances.

For musical theatre fans, the cast of Olivier-nominated musical Six will be stopping by, as well as the stars of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical Cinderella.

The cast of ‘Six the Musical’ will be performing (Rex Features)

There will also be sketches from the cast of King Gary and The Goes Wrong Show, while the Strictly Come Dancing professionals will be performing a new routine.

Which other celebrities are taking part?

Besides the performances, you can expect special appearances from the likes of Dolly Parton, Little Mix and David Walliams.

Joe Wicks will also be on the show, having this morning completed his 24-hour workout challenge and raised £1.5m for Children in Need.

The casts of Doctor Who, Mrs Brown’s Boys, EastEnders and The Repair Shop will also be making appearances.

Which artists are on the charity single?

Tonight’s launch show will also see the debut of the music video for Children in Need’s charity single, which has been performed by an all-star musical group.

Cher, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz and Robbie Williams have come together to  sing Oasis’s “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”. 

They all feature on the track, which made its debut on BBC Radio 2 this morning (13 November).

Other performers on the song include Bryan Adams, Nile Rodgers, Gregory Porter, Ava Max, Lauv, Jess Glynne, Mel C, Paloma Faith, KSI, Jay Sean, James Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Ella Eyre, Izzy Bizu, Clean Bandit, Jack Savoretti, Rebecca Ferguson and Yola.

The song is available to download now, with at least 50p from each download sale benefitting Children in Need.