children in need

Bluey to take part in special edition of Strictly Come Dancing for Children in Need

‘Strictly Come dancing’ is written in gold script style writing in front of a golden glitterball - this is the logo for the series. A cartoon dog known as Bluey is in front of it. Bluey is light blue and has navy spots, with pointy ears. The dog is happy

The cartoon dog will be dancing with the professionals as part of the charity fundraising extravaganza. His partners will include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Johannes Radebe and Michelle Tsiakkas.

The dance – set to Wilson Pickett’s “Land of 1000 Dances” – will feature easy moves to encourage viewers at home of all ages to join in. This will include the mashed potato, the alligator and the floss. People will be able to share their moves on social media using the hashtags #DanceWithBlueyChallenge and #BBCChildrenInNeed.

BBC announces ‘Puppet Masterchef’ for Children in Need

A two-by-two grid of different puppets posing in the Masterchef kitchen. From top left clockwise, they are Tinky Winky, Hacker and Dodge T Dog, Basil Brush and Zippy and George

Amongst the furry friends making an appearance are Tinky Winky, Hacker T Dog, Dodge, Basil Brush and favourites from 1970s-90s series Rainbow, Zippy and George. Like any flesh-and-blood contestant, the puppets will be expected to wow judges Greg Wallace and John Torode with their culinary flair.

Tinky Winky made a name for themselves on hit CBeebies series Teletubbies, whereas Hacker T Dog first appeared in CBBC’s Scoop. The canine personality was later introduced as a presenter in the CBBC office, with half-brother Dodge joining soon after.

Lenny Rush joins Children in Need 2023 as first ever child presenter

A young boy with blond hair smiling, wearing a black t-shirt and navy blazer

The three-hour fundraising extravaganza will also be hosted by ex-Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, comedians Jason Manford and Chris Ramsey, and sports stars Alex Scott MBE and Ade Adepitan MBE. Lenny Rush’s new post means he will be the youngest presenter CIN has ever had.

2022’s show saw Doctor Who’s new companion exclusively revealed on stage, included segments from The Repair Shop, Blankety Blank and The Weakest Link, and featured live performances from Lewis Capaldi and Diversity. £35 million was raised for charity.

Children in Need hits the 40-year mark

Credit: BBC

The event will be filled with fun sketches, uplifting performances, appeal films and appearances from much-loved famous faces.

This night of frivolity and fundraising will include a section called Children in Need does The One Show, hosted by Alex Jones and Ade Adepitan MBE.

Adepitan will also host a special Children in Need: 40 Fabulous Years, which will pay homage to previous appeal shows in 40 fun-filled parts. The special will include the greatest moments that have made up the last 40 years and those whose lives have been changed by the donations.

Five things to look out for at this year's Children in Need

1. A brand new Star Wars sketch

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is out in December, but if you can't wait until then, there'll be an exclusive sketch tonight. R2-D2 and C-3PO will be joined by Warwick Davis (who played the Ewok Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) and Lord Sugar as they "attempt to find a worthy winner to help trigger the first BBC Children in Need totaliser of the night."

Children in Need joins forces with Lucasfilm for new Star Wars sketch

Lord Sugar (Credit: BBC)

The BBC has revealed that R2-D2 and C-3PO will be joined by Warwick Davis (who played the Ewok Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) for a special, one-off sketch.

The telethon, which has been running since 1980, will air its appeal show on Friday 13 November from 7.30pm on BBC One.

Details about the Star Wars segment are scarce, but the BBC has said that the characters will join Davis and the three will "attempt to find a worthy winner to help trigger the first BBC Children in Need totaliser of the night."