Children in Need 2026 tonight: what time it’s on, who’s presenting and what to expect

Updated 13 Nov 2026, 10:07 · First published 12 Nov 2026

BBC Children in Need 2026 is on tonight, Friday 13 November, from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Alex Jones fronts the appeal show for the first time, alongside Mel Giedroyc, Sara Cox, Rylan and Tyler West, live from MediaCityUK in Salford.

The three-hour show will feature exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and the return of the Children in Need Choir with a live medley. There will also be films from young people across the UK showing where the money goes.

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What’s happening on Children in Need tonight?

According to the BBC’s plans for the night, highlights include a stunt with Dune: Part Three stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy, Rylan taking to the Strictly dancefloor, fun with the Dragons’ Den cast, a performance from the High School Musical cast and an exclusive performance from a big chart act that has not yet been named.

Radio 2’s Owain Wyn Evans also finishes his Four Nations Cycle Challenge in Cardiff today, nearly 400 miles across all four UK nations in five days.

London landmarks lit yellow: From 7pm, Broadcasting House and the London Eye will be among landmarks lit up in yellow for the appeal, alongside Blackpool Tower, Titanic Belfast and the Wales Millennium Centre.

Who is presenting Children in Need 2026?

Alex Jones joins the line-up for her first appeal night, with Mel Giedroyc, Sara Cox, Rylan and Tyler West.

Jordan Banjo, Emma Bunton and Joe Wicks are this year’s campaign ambassadors and have been helping promote the appeal.

Owain Wyn Evans’s big finish

BBC presenter Owain Wyn Evans is due to arrive in the studio at the end of his cycle challenge from Glasgow to central Cardiff. Read about his ride, the route and how much he has raised so far.

A full-length film of his journey will be shown on BBC One on 20 November.

What is on the show?

The BBC has promised crossover sketches with some of its best-known shows, with “a sprinkle of Hollywood glamour”. The Children in Need Choir returns, and The One Show’s Challenge Squad welcomes new recruits Zoe and Serena.

How much did Children in Need raise last year?

Last year’s appeal raised £45.5 million, more than £6 million up on the year before. Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge brought in a large share of that.

How to donate

Donation details will be shown throughout the show and are on the official BBC Children in Need website. You can give at any time during the appeal.