Children in Need: 4 biggest talking points from the live show as new Doctor Who companion announced on air

Fans can also expect to see a sweary skit from Lorraine Kelly and a musical performance from Lewis Capaldi

Children in Need 2022 trailer

Children in Need returned to BBC One on Friday (18 November) for another night full of entertainment to raise money for young people across the country.

During the show, Ncuti Gatwa’s new companion on Doctor Who was revealed.

Fans also enjoyed an appearance from England men’s team footballer Mason Mount and a performance from singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

Other highlights include Romesh Ranganathan hosting a special version of the iconic quiz game show The Weakest Link, with a twist, and a group of celebrities took on Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair.

Read below for X of the biggest talking points from the night.

Doctor Who’s new companion was announced

In the build-up to the show, it was announced that Doctor Who’s next assistant would be unveiled during the broadcast.

Saving the big reveal till late on, host Mel Giedroyc conjured up a tardis using the Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver and asked the new companion to step outside.

Out stepped 18-year-old Coronation Street star Millie Gibson. Gibson disclosed that her character’s name was Ruby Sunday and said she hoped to “make you all happy”.

The young actor will join the series alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed returning star David Tennant as the Time Lord.

The Repair Shop revived a very special chair

Jay Blades and Will Kirk made an appearance for a special edition of The Repair Shop. This time, they were tasked with restoring a large wooden chair brought to them by the parents of a child who died after suffering with encephalitis.

The chair featured monkey motifs, as the parents described their boy as a “cheeky monkey” but it had all gotten a bit weathered and cracked by the elements.

Kirk unveiled the new, improved chair live with the family on Children in Need and sufficed to say things got a bit emotional.

Lenny Rush stole the show

13-year-old Lenny Rush was outstanding in his role as the celebrity call centre boss during the show. Rush rose to fame after starring as Tiny Tim in the BBC’s 2019 rendition of A Christmas Carol starring Guy Pierce.

Rush, who lives with a rare genetic disorder Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia congenita, demonstrated comedic timing far beyond his years and was fearless in interacting with the celebrities. Twitter was awash with praise for the young star.

“Lenny Rush is the hero of 2022 #ChildrenInNeed2022,” one fan tweeted.

“The highlight of @BBC Children In Need this year has to be Lenny Rush! What an absolute star!” Wrote another.

Scott Mills was made to walk on a treadmill... after walking on a treadmill for 24 hours straight

In one of the show’s most awkward moments, radio DJ Scott Mills hobbled out on stage after raising more than £1m by walking, jogging and running for 24 hours straight.

As he arrived to talk to Giedroyc, the poor man was faced with another treadmill! He looked genuinely crestfallen as the host explained that they would walk and talk.

However, Mills was genuinely (and somewhat obviously) unable to do so. Who’s idea was that?

Read below to see how Children in Need unfolded.

[18 November 2022 13:17 · Ellie Harrison]

Hello and welcome to the Children in Need live blog! Here’s what to look out for tonight...

[18 November 2022 14:00 · Ellie Harrison]

We know that, during the show this evening, Ncuti Gatwa’s companion in Doctor Who will be unveiled. Before then, here’s what you need to know about the brilliant man who’s stepping into the Time Lord’s shoes...

[18 November 2022 14:30 · Ellie Harrison]

Ahead of the broadcast tonight, which will air on BBC One from 7-10pm, DJ Scott Mills has been very busy...

[18 November 2022 15:36 · Ellie Harrison]

One of the hosts, Jason Manford, has acknowledged how tricky it’s going to be for many to donate this year...

[18 November 2022 16:15 · Ellie Harrison]

There’s a lot of excitement building for the Doctor Who announcement tonight...

[18 November 2022 17:20 · Tom Murray]

The McLaren boys have got their Pudsey ears on. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris have passed on their best wishes for tonight’s show.

[18 November 2022 18:31 · Tom Murray]

The McLaren boys have got their Pudsey ears on. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris have passed on their best wishes for tonight’s show.

[18 November 2022 18:45 · Tom Murray]

Everything you need to know

Not long now till the broadcast is underway! For all the info on how to watch, who’s presenting and much more, The Independent has put together this handy guide linked below.

[18 November 2022 19:02 · Tom Murray]

Here we go!

Settle in folks. BBC One’s Children in Need Night 2022 is about to get underway.

[18 November 2022 19:05 · Tom Murray]

Mimi Webb is kicking things off with “Ghost of You”.