BBC Children in Need 2026 has returned to screens, and viewers were left emotional after an opening performance by a young girl named Zoe, who was born with Down syndrome. The annual show, hosted this year by Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West, featured various stars and performances.
Zoe's Performance Moves Viewers
Zoe, who had to undergo surgeries after doctors discovered she had holes in her heart, performed High School Musical's "We're All In This Together." Viewers took to social media to praise her, with one person writing, "Zoe you absolute legend!" Another said, "Zoe's story broke me I can't I'm too emotional." Others shared crying emojis, writing "Zoe Absolutely amazing" and "She was fantastic!"
One viewer added, "The Children in Need films get me every single year. One minute it's a brilliant dance routine, the next it's a family's story and the whole room is reaching for the tissues. Telly at its kindest."
Host Alex Jones Struggles with Tears
Following her performance, Zoe broke down in tears, with host Alex Jones telling her, "Sweetheart, you have accomplished something unbelievable. Me and mum, you broke us! You broke us, we were gone because we felt so proud of what you've achieved." Alex appeared to be struggling to hold back tears as Zoe's mum became emotional, with Alex telling her, "I can't look at you."
Alongside the hosts, The Celebrity Traitors star Sebastian Croft made an appearance, along with a special message from former One Direction singer Niall Horan. The BBC had earlier teased, "Expect a stellar line-up of famous faces, dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir."
Alex Jones on Hosting the Show
In the run-up to the broadcast, The One Show host Alex revealed, "It means the absolute world to be part of the team for the big night of Children in Need, I have watched it avidly since I was a little girl and Sir Terry Wogan was at the helm." She added, "It was always one of the big highlights of the year. And more recently for me, The One Show has always been very much at the heart of Children in Need, as we will be again this year with our Challenge Squad, so it feels amazing to be there with Pudsey on his big night."
Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
