The BBC's flagship charity event, Children in Need, is set for a spectacular return on Friday, 14 November 2025, promising an evening of entertainment dedicated to raising vital funds for children and young people across the UK.
A Star-Studded Line-Up for a Vital Cause
This year's broadcast will be steered by a familiar and beloved team of hosts, including Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, and Lenny Rush. The show will feature exclusive comedic sketches from some of the BBC's most popular programmes, such as The Apprentice, EastEnders, and the revived Gladiators.
The musical performances are a central pillar of the night, with highlights including McFly's Tom Fletcher and Eurovision entrants Remember Monday. Fletcher, 40, is making a particularly special television debut by performing alongside his son, Buzz. They will sing a song titled "Thread Of Hope" with the backing of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Marking a Milestone for Pudsey Bear
This poignant performance is tied to a 25-minute animated CBeebies film, also called "Thread Of Hope," scheduled for release on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December. The film, along with a companion book, Pudsey And The Thread Of Hope, celebrates 40 years of Pudsey Bear. The story follows a young boy named Jai on a journey of healing with Pudsey, where they meet children connected by a "golden thread of kindness."
Tom Fletcher expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "When I was invited to perform a song from the animation with my son for the very first time, I knew it was a truly special opportunity. Sharing that moment together will be so incredibly meaningful, especially as it celebrates Pudsey’s 40-year legacy." He added that he hopes the performance, animation, and book will raise vital funds and awareness to ensure children receive the support they need.
His son Buzz shared the excitement, saying: "I am so excited to be performing alongside my dad for the first time on TV. I have seen how incredibly hard my dad has worked on the animation and book, so feel really proud to be standing beside him for such a brilliant cause."
Eurovision Stars and a Choir Performance
Meanwhile, the UK's Eurovision representatives Remember Monday will deliver a powerful rendition of Lou Reed's classic "Perfect Day," also accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The song holds a special connection to the charity, having been famously re-recorded by a star-studded ensemble including David Bowie and U2’s Bono in 1997 as a charity single for Children In Need. Their performance will accompany a montage of testimonies from young people who have been helped by the charity.
The trio from Remember Monday commented: "All three of us grew up watching Children In Need every year, it’s such a special event. Performing with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is truly a bucket-list moment for us, and we feel incredibly lucky to get to sing such an iconic song for such an amazing cause."
Adding to the musical offerings, the BBC Children In Need Choir will return. The choir is made up of 16 children supported by projects funded by the charity, and they will perform a special arrangement of Coldplay's hit song "Yellow."
BBC Children In Need will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday, 14 November 2025.
