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Everything you need to know about Children in Need

Children in Need has now raised over £800,000,000

eastenders children in need
Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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The BBC Children in Need Appeal is back! The amazing evening, which aims to raise money for charities all over the UK, has raised a total of £800,000,000 over the years. This year, top presenters including Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc and Tess Daly will be on hand to help host the event, which will include TV specials, musical appearances and some hilarious sketches. So what's in store?

READ: EastEnders will air two episodes on 16 November – find out why

eastenders children in need© Photo: BBC

EastEnders is involved in the fun 

The highlights from the evening will include former Blue Peter presenters, including Konnie Huq, Anthea Turner and Mark Curry, taking part in a Strictly Come Dancing special to win the Pudsey Glitter Ball trophy, as well as the cast of EastEnders performing a musical around Albert Square, and a special performance from Niall Horan, who will surprise a group of children with an exclusive gig.

benedict children in need© Photo: BBC

Benedict Cumberbatch poses with Pudsey 

Poldark will also be involved as Children in Need goes on set with Aidan Turner, and Hollywood stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg will take on a starring role as they compete to find the ultimate dad joke in a funny skit. There will also be sneak peeks of the Call the Midwife and Doctor Who Christmas specials, as well as a special performance from Craig Revel Horwood and the cast of the West End hit, Annie.

READ: Graham Norton reveals how he deals with his difficult celebrity guests

children in need strictly© Photo: BBC

There will be a special episode of Strictly 

Joanna Lumley will present the Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Award, which was created in honour of the presenter who sadly passed away in 2016. Last year the coveted award was won by Lauchlan Muir, who raised over £10,000. As per tradition, the show will also show films of children whose lives were changed by the charity, and how they still need help. The show will be on BBC One from 7.30 on Friday night.