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.

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.

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.

Blue Peter presenters past and present take on a new dancing challenge for 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."

Monday

London Spy

BBC Two

9pm

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."