Children in Need 2026: What Time It Starts, Presenters and How to Watch on Friday

BBC Children in Need returns this Friday with a night of live television from Salford. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 appeal show – when it starts, who is presenting and what to expect.

What time is Children in Need on?

The live appeal show starts at 7pm on Friday 13 November on BBC One, and you can also watch on BBC iPlayer. As usual, it runs as a live marathon through the evening.

Who is presenting?

Mel Giedroyc, Sara Cox, Rylan and Tyler West are hosting, joined by Alex Jones of The One Show, who is presenting the appeal night for the first time.

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What can we expect on the night?

The BBC has promised crossover sketches featuring some of its best-known shows, a Hollywood-themed segment and a live medley from the Children in Need Choir. New One Show Challenge Squad recruits Zoe and Serena will share their challenges, and short films made with young people across the UK will show where the money goes.

Owain Wyn Evans’ 400-mile bike ride

Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans is cycling around 400 miles for the appeal. He set off from Glasgow on Monday and is due to finish in central Cardiff. A full film of his ride will be shown on BBC One on 20 November.

How much did Children in Need raise last year?

The 2025 appeal raised £45.5 million – more than £6 million up on the year before. A big part of that came from Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge.

How to donate

You can donate online through the official BBC Children in Need website, and donation phone numbers and text codes are shown during the live show. Only give through official BBC Children in Need channels.

Photo: Syda Productions / Shutterstock (illustrative)