The annual BBC Children in Need appeal returned to television screens on Friday, 14th November 2025, kicking off with a hilarious and star-studded special edition of The Apprentice featuring Lord Alan Sugar.
A Boardroom Like No Other
In a delightful twist, the usual lineup of ambitious adult candidates was replaced by a panel of sharp-witted children who were given the chance to question the business magnate directly in the boardroom. The sketch provided some of the night's most memorable moments, showcasing the unfiltered honesty of youth.
One young girl immediately set the tone by jokingly asking Lord Sugar, "Why is your name Lord Sugar when you are so salty all the time?" A laughing Lord Sugar simply replied that it was just his name, taking the cheeky inquiry in good stride.
The football-themed banter continued when another child, referencing Sugar's former ownership of Tottenham Hotspur, asked, "My Dad wants to know if you're the person who made Spurs rubbish?" Visibly aghast, Lord Sugar retorted by asking if the boy was an Arsenal fan. Upon confirming he was, Sugar fired back, "When was the last time Arsenal won anything?" The boy, however, had a cool and factual reply ready: "Well, the Women's Champions League."
A Star-Studded Night of Entertainment and Fundraising
The hilarious sketch was part of a three-hour live special broadcast from MediaCityUK in Salford. The event was hosted by a presenting dream team including BBC Radio 2's Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Rochelle Humes, Mel Giedroyc, Big Zuu, and Bafta TV award-winner Lenny Rush.
The programme was packed with entertainment, promising and delivering a mix of sketches, musical acts, and surprises. The night featured teased performances from Lewis Capaldi and Sam Ryder, alongside a special segment from Ella Eyre and McFly's Tom Fletcher with his son, Buzz.
Eurovision stars Remember Monday, who represented the UK this year, gave a moving performance of Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanying a montage of young people who have benefited from the charity. Additional sketches from popular shows like EastEnders and Gladiators were interspersed with appeal films that highlighted how the charity changes lives.
Monumental Efforts and Milestones
Beyond the entertainment, the night celebrated incredible fundraising achievements. The programme previewed festive episodes of The Celebrity Apprentice, where twelve candidates created biscuits for the cause.
Earlier in the day, a monumental effort concluded as BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox completed her 135-mile, five-day 'Great Northern Marathon Challenge'. The 50-year-old Teatime Show host, who embarked from Kielder Forest, crossed the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds, at approximately 3.30pm on Friday. Her incredible journey, equivalent to running five marathons in as many days, culminated in a celebratory performance from former Spice Girl Melanie C and had already raised an astonishing over £7 million for the appeal.
Children in Need is a cornerstone of UK charity, providing vital funding for family centres, community spaces, youth clubs, refuges, homeless shelters, hospices, and helplines across the country. The 2025 telethon once again successfully blended entertainment with heartfelt appeals, rallying the nation to support disadvantaged children and young people.
