CHILDREN IN NEED PRESENTING LINE-UP FOR 2026 APPEAL SHOW CONFIRMED IN FULL

The BBC have announced the full presenting line-up for this year's BBC Children in Need’s 2026 Appeal Show, which will air on Friday 13 November on BBC One and iPlayer.

Mel Giedroyc returns to host her tenth appeal show. Giedroyc will be joined by Alex Jones, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West who all make their Children In Need presenting debut.

Tyler West said: ""Watching BBC Children in Need with my mum and brother was always one of the highlights of the year when I was growing up, so to now be presenting the show myself feels pretty special – and a huge honour...

"Before stepping into the world of television, I worked as a youth worker, so I’ve seen first-hand just how much of a difference the support from BBC Children in Need can make to young people. I’m really looking forward to being part of such a brilliant night, packed with entertainment, surprises and, most importantly, a cause that means so much. Make sure you tune in on Friday 13th November - I can’t wait!"

Rylan said: "When I took on my challenge in 2019, I had the privilege of meeting young people at a project funded by BBC Children In Need and heard how important that support was to them and what a huge difference it made to their lives. I can't wait to be part of the show on 13 November, to shine a light on some incredible young people and raise lots of money to help ensure every child has someone by their side when they need it most."

Sara Cox said: "It is a huge honour to be part of the BBC Children in Need presenting team! After completing my Children in Need Ultra Marathon Challenge for Radio 2 last year, I am looking forward to spending the evening in the warmth of a studio!"

Alex Jones says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining this year’s BBC Children in Need presenting team. Every year, the Appeal shines a light on the incredible projects and people making a real difference to children and young people across the UK. It’s something that we champion through the Challenge Squad on The One Show, and it’s a privilege to help tell those stories...

"At a time when so many young people are facing challenges, the support funded by BBC Children in Need has never been more important. I can’t wait to be part of the show on 13 November and to see the nation come together once again to help ensure every child has someone by their side when they need it most.”

The news follows BBC Children in Need’s 2026 fundraising launch, where the charity called on people across the UK to Challenge Yourself to help make a difference.

Alex, alongside a range of celebrities - including Jordan Banjo, Emma Bunton, Mel Giedroyc, Joe Wicks, and Angela Scanlon - backed the campaign, which highlights the importance of trusted relationships and community support for children and young people. The launch comes as the charity warns of increasing demand for its services, with rising poverty, inequality and poor mental health affecting young people across the UK.

At the heart of this year’s fundraising campaign is ‘Challenge Yourself 2026’, which encourages people to create their own challenge inspired by the number 26, alongside ‘Run with Pudsey and Joe Wicks’, a marathon-distance fundraising initiative. In addition, it was also announced today that Emma Bunton has designed the official 2026 BBC Children in Need T-shirt, available exclusively through George at Asda, with proceeds helping fund vital services for children and young people.

Children in Need 2026 Appeal show is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions and will broadcast live from Salford on Friday 13 November on BBC One and iPlayer.