CHILDREN IN NEED REVEALS PRESENTERS FOR 2025 TELETHON AS BIG ZUU JOINS LINE-UP

The full presenting line up for the BBC Children in Need Appeal Night 2025 was confirmed with the announcement that the rapper, and TV personality, Big Zuu is to join, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, and Lenny Rush.

Bringing together the nation this Autumn, the appeal night will be jampacked with heart and sparkle, featuring a host of sketches from BBC favourites including The Apprentice to Gladiators, big surprises from across the BBC, emotional performances, challenges and appeal films featuring the children and young people that Children in Need champions. The appeal night will raise money for children and young people across the UK, facing a range of challenges, who need our help more than ever.

The BBC Children in Need Choir are also back to make viewers hearts sing. Featuring 16 children from across the 15 BBC nations and regions, who have been supported by Children in Need funded projects. The choir are currently in training to perform a special arrangement of Coldplay’s Yellow – Pudsey’s favourite colour.

More highlights, and plenty more surprises from across the evening - including sketches - will be announced in due course.

Joining the presenting team for the first time, Big Zuu brings first-hand experience of youth work to the show. He says: “After studying youth work at university and working as a youth worker earlier in my career, I know how crucial it is for young people to have a trusted adult that they can talk to who believes in them and the power this can have in helping unlock their potential...

"So, joining the line-up to present the iconic BBC Children in Need is a dream come true. I love live television, and I promise to bring energy and something fresh to this year’s appeal night so that we can help raise money for some incredible causes.”

BBC Children in Need is the largest independent funder of youth work in the UK, with youth work making up 30% of the charity’s portfolio. Through investing in safe inclusive spaces, skilled youth workers are able to build positive relationships that help young people discover their strengths, develop their talents and unlock their potential.

Also television presenter Paddy McGuinness will be joining the presenting line up for the first time. Last year, Paddy raised an incredible £10.5 million for Children in Need - riding 300 miles on a chopper across the UK. It was an amazing feat of endurance, that became a personal mission for Paddy.

Paddy McGuinness says: “Children in Need is a cause close to my heart and makes people rally and unite like no other. Every child deserves someone who shows up for them, and I can’t wait to get on stage to help lead the charge in encouraging people to give what they can to support the vital and urgent work this charity does – just promise me there won’t be a bicycle in sight!”

Mel Giedroyc says: “I am back for one of my favourite nights of the year, and it’s an honour to be invited to host year after year for something that is so truly special and meaningful for every single person involved. I can’t wait to get going with the 2025 gang.”

Rochelle Humes says: “Presenting BBC Children in Need is one of the biggest privileges of my job. I hope the audience is ready to be entertained, moved, inspired and most importantly, motivated to donate to Children in Need, so that the charity can continue with their fantastic work.”

Vernon Kay says: “I’m truly honoured to be a presenter for my second year on BBC Children in Need. The charity changes lives and knowing that what we are doing on stage is going to have a hugely positive effect on so many children is incredibly rewarding.”

Lenny Rush says: “I am thrilled to be back for BBC Children in Need 2025 and feel so lucky to be able to present a show for a charity, that means so much to so many people. It is such an important show and we promise to make it fun for all the family so make sure you tune in!”

Calling on the nation to come together, everyone is invited to get involved and donate to help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in communities across the UK. Money raised will help the charity ensure there’s someone able to give food, clothes and beds to a child living without; someone qualified to talk a child who is anxious, isolated or grieving; someone trained to mentor teenagers in communities facing inequality, violence or lack of opportunity; someone to be there for children living with serious illness, disability or carrying a load that’s just too heavy to manage alone.

The need of children and young people has never been greater, as right now the charity is only able to fund 1 in 6 of the organisations who ask for funding

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “Having Paddy and Big Zuu join the presenting line up this year will add even more big laughs and a whole lot of heart to this exciting night of entertainment that always brings both the BBC and the UK together for a very special cause.”

Further details will be announced in due course.