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What time is BBC Children in Need 2026? Full list of confirmed performances and celebrity guests

Here's everything you need to know about Children in Need 2026!

Sara Cox, Pudsey and Owain Wyn Evans putting their arms out towards the camera.

BBC/Sarah Jeynes

Published: Friday, 13 November 2026 at 11:08 am

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BBC Children in Need returns for its annual night of fundraising, comedy and live music, broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford.

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The 2026 appeal show brings together a presenting team consisting of Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West, as they guide viewers through three hours of performances and surprise appearances.

As ever, the focus is on the charity's mission to support children and young people across the UK, with the night built around BBC-show collaborations, challenge heroes and star turns.

Here is everything you need to know about when Children in Need 2026 is on, who is taking part, how to donate and how to watch.

What time is Children in Need 2026 on TV?

BBC Children in Need 2026 airs on Friday 13 November at 7pm. The live appeal show runs for around three hours, continuing until roughly 10pm.

The broadcast comes live from MediaCityUK in Salford, with the main show accompanied by signed and regional programming across the evening.

Where can I watch Children in Need 2026?

Viewers can tune in live on BBC One and iPlayer, and will be available to watch on iPlayer afterwards.

Who is in the Children in Need 2026 line-up?

Alex Jones, Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc, Tyler West and Sarah Cox all smiling while posing for a photo, in front of a coloured dot background.

Alex Jones, Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc, Tyler West and Sarah Cox. BBC / Guy Levy, Jack Barnes

The 2026 live show is fronted by a familiar team of presenters.

Hosts

You can read more about the hosts here.

A string of famous faces are joining the appeal across live moments and pre-recorded segments.

Performances

Confirmed musical moments across the night include the Children in Need Choir returning to perform a medley.

More performances will be revealed tonight!

How to donate to Children in Need 2026

Pudsey and Owain Wyn Evans stood next to each other, smiling.

Pudsey and Owain Wyn Evans. BBC/Sarah Jeynes

There are several official ways to donate to the BBC Children in Need 2026 appeal.

Text donors must be 16 or older and have the bill payer's permission, with texts charged at the donation amount plus a standard network message charge.

BBC Children in Need 2026 airs on Friday 13 November at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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