CHILDREN IN NEED KICKS OFF 2025 CAMPAIGN, PADDY McGUINNESS ANNOUNCED AS PRESENTER

BBC Children in Need has officially launched its 2025 fundraising Appeal, urging the nation to Challenge Yourself to help make life lighter for children and young people across the UK who are facing overwhelming challenges alone. This year’s campaign is all about the power of collective action - inspiring people from every corner of the UK to come together to make a difference.

BBC Children in Need is calling on families, schools, individuals, and communities across the UK to come together and show the power of unity. This year’s Appeal is a rallying cry to demonstrate that, together, we can create real and lasting change. Whatever the challenge, every act of support will help BBC Children in Need continue to be there for the hundreds of thousands of children across the UK in urgent need of support.

As part of the launch, two of the charity’s long-standing champions – Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, who have together raised over £16 million for BBC Children in Need – joined forces to kick off the campaign live on The One Show this evening. During the show it was proudly announced that Paddy McGuinness will join Vernon Kay as a presenter on this year’s iconic Appeal show on Friday 14 November with Vernon returning for a second year.

Elsewhere in the show, the duo looked back on their remarkable fundraising journeys and the powerful impact their efforts have made. Paddy and Vernon decided that it was Pudsey’s turn to challenge himself and handed him a very special yellow envelope – challenging him to complete 25 challenges in honour of the 2025 Appeal.

From baking 25 cupcakes to running 25 miles or wearing 25 hairstyles, the “Challenge Yourself to 25” initiative encourages creativity and community spirit. Yellow envelopes containing unique fundraising challenges will appear in schools, workplaces, corner shops, supermarkets and on some of the UK’s favourite BBC programmes – all designed to inspire supporters in communities across the UK to get involved and raise money.

Paddy McGuinness, who completed a gruelling 300-mile ultra-endurance cycle for the charity in 2024, said: “Even before last year’s challenge, BBC Children in Need was a cause close to my heart. There’s something truly powerful about the UK coming together - united in compassion and determination - to make a real difference for children who need us most...

"So when I was asked to present this year’s Appeal Show, how could I possibly say no? Every child deserves someone who shows up for them, and I’m proud to play my part in helping make that happen. I know supporters up and down the country will be doing the same and I can’t wait to see what they take on.”

Vernon Kay, returning for a second year as presenter after his epic Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge in 2022, added: “I’m so chuffed to be back with BBC Children in Need this year. Every time I get involved, I’m blown away by how generous and creative people are right across the UK. It’s all about coming together, having a laugh, and raising money that genuinely changes lives. I’m proud to do my bit.”

The 2025 Appeal shines a spotlight on the power of positive relationships and the importance of having someone to turn to. BBC Children in Need believes every child should have the chance to thrive – and that begins with someone who listens, supports, and stands by them through life’s toughest moments.

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, said: “Paddy and Vernon have shown that when we come together to challenge ourselves we can create truly transformational impact for children and families across the UK. The creativity, passion, and generosity shown by people across the UK never fails to inspire us and we can’t wait to see how the nation rises to the challenge once again, making a difference where it’s needed most.”

Currently, BBC Children in Need can only fund 1 in 6 eligible projects that apply for funding but by taking on a challenge and raising money, you’ll help ensure that every child has someone to turn to – someone who can make life feel a little lighter when it’s too heavy to carry alone. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, hosting a quiz night, or simply donating what you can, your support will help BBC Children in Need continue to fund the people and places that make a real difference in communities across the UK.

Further details on this year’s presenting lineup will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of the charity’s 2025 Appeal show on Friday 14 November.