The annual BBC Children in Need appeal made a triumphant return to television screens with a night of entertainment, raising millions for charity. The live special, broadcast on Friday, 14 November 2025, was packed with sketches and performances, but one segment in particular captured the nation's attention.
The Apprentice Sketch with a Twist
In a hilarious parody of The Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar found himself in the boardroom with a panel of brutally honest child contestants. The young interviewers did not hold back, posing blunt questions to the business magnate. One child directly asked Lord Sugar why he was 'so salty all the time', while another delivered a cutting inquiry about his connection to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
The young participant boldly asked if Lord Sugar was the reason Tottenham Hotspur were 'rubbish'. When Lord Sugar attempted to deflect by questioning the child's own football allegiance, the youngster revealed he was an Arsenal supporter. In a brilliantly cool retort, the young Gunner referenced Arsenal's success in the Women's Champions League, leaving Lord Sugar momentarily speechless and providing one of the night's most memorable exchanges.
A Night of Entertainment and Fundraising
The three-hour live event was hosted by the dynamic duo of Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness. The broadcast featured an array of talent, including musical performances from Lewis Capaldi and Sam Ryder. Viewers were also treated to special sketches from the casts of popular shows like EastEnders and the revived Gladiators.
Away from the studio, BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox completed her incredible 'Great Northern Marathon Challenge'. The arduous challenge saw her trek 135 miles over five days, a feat that contributed significantly to the night's total. Her efforts helped push the final amount raised for the charity to an astonishing over £7 million.
The Impact of Children in Need
The funds raised during the evening are crucial for supporting vulnerable children across the UK. Children in Need provides essential grants to a wide variety of services that make a tangible difference in young lives. This funding supports vital community resources such as family centres, youth clubs, refuges, and hospices, ensuring help is available where it is needed most.
The 2025 appeal demonstrated once again the power of entertainment combined with generosity, proving that even the most light-hearted sketches can contribute to a profoundly serious and important cause.
