BBC Children in Need returned to screens on Friday evening, and within moments viewers were asking the same question: does the fundraising show really need five celebrity hosts?
The programme, airing on BBC One from 7pm to 10pm, is being presented by Alex Jones, Rylan, Mel Giedroyc, Tyler West and Sara Cox. They are guiding viewers through a night of entertainment, performances and appeal films raising money for projects supporting children and young people across the UK.
Viewers question the number of hosts
On X, one viewer wrote: "The BBC need five presenters but used to have just Terry and Gabby, I thought they wanted to save money." Another said: "Just like Comic Relief, they now need five presenters despite both shows now only being three hours long instead of all night."
A further post added: "To be fair, five presenters is overkill for three hours. It's like they dropped the marathon night of TV but kept the talent quota." Another simply said: "It doesn't really need five presenters."
Other stars and location
Other stars appearing in the broadcast include Jordan Banjo, Emma Bunton, JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri, Angela Scanlon, Gladiators Apollo and Dynamite, and Joe Wicks. Social media stars Ash Holme, Charley Marlowe and Jack Remmington are also helping to inspire the nation to get involved.
The live show is again coming from MediaCityUK, marking the fifth year the appeal has been hosted in Salford. The programme description reads: "Mel Giedroyc, Sara Cox, Alex Jones, Rylan and Tyler West lead a star-studded show packed with famous faces, dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, big surprises and Pudsey Bear, live from MediaCityUK in Salford."
It adds: "The One Show Challenge Squad tackle new challenges to make a difference to other young lives and Owain Wyn Evans is live in the studio after his 400-mile four nations cycle challenge. Plus, the Children in Need choir sing a medley live to help raise money for the charity."
