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

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

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.

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?

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

Hosts

• Alex Jones
• Mel Giedroyc
• Rylan
• Sara Cox
• Tyler West
• Which celebrities are taking part?

You can read more about the hosts here.

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

• Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy in a segment involving Rylan
• Michelle Ackerley and Gethin Jones, who play live with a band after learning instruments especially for the appeal
• Owain Wyn Evans, following his 400-mile four-nations cycle challenge

Performances

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

• The cast of High School Musical performing alongside Challenge Squad member Zoe
• Challenge Squad member Serena performing live

More performances will be revealed tonight!

How to donate to Children in Need 2026

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

• Online: Make a one-off or regular donation through the official BBC Children in Need donate page
• Phone: Call 0345 7 33 22 33 to donate by card, or 0345 607 0011 for the Welsh-language line
• Text: Text FIVE, TEN, TWENTY, THIRTY or FORTY to 70701 to donate the corresponding amount in pounds

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

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.