BBC Children in Need 2026 features Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy, the stars of ‘Dune: Part Three,’ alongside young fundraisers taking on personal challenges for charity. The annual appeal show is broadcast live tonight, Friday 13 November 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer. This year’s theme, Challenge Yourself 2026, invites supporters across the United Kingdom to set their own goals and raise money for children and young people. The evening puts a spotlight on those who have answered that call, from celebrities to young people, and on the charities that benefit from their efforts across the country.
Dune stars play a prank on Rylan Clark with help from three children hidden behind the scenes
According to BBC News, Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet and his co-stars will be seen making show host Rylan Clark sweat during an interview for their new film. Three children, hidden behind the scenes, help the actors pull off the stunt, which leaves Clark confused as the interview goes awry. It is one of the main highlights of this year’s show.
Owain Wyn Evans reaches the final leg of a 400-mile cycle challenge across four nations
The Radio 2 presenter has pedalled through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, and he will be welcomed on the live show. His final leg, in Wales, takes place today. He is the latest Radio 2 presenter to put himself through a gruelling challenge for the charity, following in the footsteps of Sara Cox and Paddy McGuinness.
Radio 2 presenter to put himself through a gruelling challenge for the charity (Image: BBC)
Four young people take on dancing, kayaking, cycling and live performance challenges for charity
The One Show’s challenge squad is made up of four young people who have signed up for personal missions for the charity. Zoe, 16, who has Down’s syndrome, will be seen dancing with the cast of High School Musical after preparing with Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden. Ana, also 16, who has a rare physical condition, is taking on a three-day kayaking challenge. Harri, 22, who lives with the hidden lasting effects of a brain tumour, joins Wyn Evans for the final leg in Wales today. Serena, also 22, will perform live in memory of her late brother and a childhood friend.
A three-hour live show from Salford with five hosts follows last year’s £45 million-plus appeal
Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan Clark, Sara Cox and Tyler West present the show live from Salford, running from 7 pm Greenwich Mean Time. Last year’s appeal raised more than £45 million for children and young people across the United Kingdom. The charity supports more than 1,600 local charities and projects.
Joe Wicks, Emma Bunton and Morning Live presenters join in as landmarks glow yellow nationwide
As part of the campaign, Morning Live presenters Michelle Ackerley and Gethin Jones have learned instruments to perform with a band live on the night. Joe Wicks and Emma Bunton are among the other stars who have been involved. Blackpool Tower, the London Eye and Titanic Belfast will be lit in yellow for the occasion.
