Children in Need 2021 highlights
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Children in Need 2021 highlights on BBC One include First Dates soap special

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Children in Need has to be one of the warmest, funniest and exciting nights of the TV year, and 2021’s offering will be no exception – so what are the highlights?

The huge charity fundraiser returns for another BBC One takeover on Friday November 19 2021.

This year’s live night will be hosted by talk show host Graham Norton, TV presenter Ade Adepitan and comedian Melanie Giedroyc.

Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott also do their fair share of presenting Children in Need 2021.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Children in Need 2021 schedule, including our highlights!

Steve McDonald on First Dates with Janine Butcher
Steve McDonald and Janine Butcher go on an awkward First Dates for Children in Need 2021 (Credit: BBC One)

Read more: Children in Need 2021: Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald come face-to-face on First Dates

Children in Need highlights – First Dates with Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald

Soap fans will LOVE the Children in Need 2021 soap mash-up featuring popular characters from Coronation Street and EastEnders.

Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald go for dinner on a spoof First Dates…

And it’s inspired!

The sketch, penned by soap writer Daran Little, sees seven-times married Steve cross paths with super-bitch Janine.

We think she’ll eat him for a canapé!

In a first-look clip released earlier this month, Janine asks Steve if he’s ever been married.

When Steve answers honestly by saying seven times, Janine chokes on her vodka and tonic and splutters: “So you’re not afraid of commitment then?”

Will it be love at first sight for these two soap legends? We doubt it!

I Can See Your Voice special

Paddy McGuinness hosts a special charity version of I Can See Your Voice.

Celebrity Investigators Jimmy Carr, Alison Hammond and Amanda Holden are joined by special guest Pudsey.

Stepping up to the mic are three celebrity mystery singers – BBC Sport presenter Mike Bushell, newsreader Kate Silverton and broadcaster and Radio 2 presenter Jason Mohammad.

But which one can actually sing?

I Can See Your Voice Children in Need highlights
Pudsey with the I Can See Your Voice investigators: Jimmy Carr, Amanda Holden and Alison Hammond (Credit: BBC One)

Read more: DIY SOS viewers deliver their verdict on Nick Knowles replacement Rhod Gilbert in Children in Need special

Children in Need 2021 highlights – The Wall

Danny Dyer presents a special edition The Wall for Children in Need 2021.

CBBC TV presenters Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes join in the fun on the popular BBC One gameshow.

They’ll face tricky questions in a round of Free Fall, before taking on The Wall in an attempt to win money.

Of course, the cash isn’t for them. It’s for children and young people in need across the UK.

The Repair Shop Children in Need 2021

Jay Blades teams up with bear repair duo Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell to carry out a unique restoration.

Thirteen-year-old Billy and his mum Mandy have been supported by a BBC Children in Need-funded project.

They bring in a very special bear called Henry to the Repair Shop barn…

Repair Shop
The Repair Shop Children in Need Special 2021 (Credit: BBC One)

University Challenge special

Kirsty Wark hosts the Children in Need edition of University Challenge over on BBC Two at 10pm.

In a bid for glory, stars from the BBC and ITV go head to head in the special episode.

Rick Edwards, Mishal Husain, Angela Barnes and Jon Culshaw join the BBC team.

Meanwhile, ITV’s opponents include Kaye Adams, Dr Ranj Singh, Russell Kane and Denise Welch.

Children in Need 2021 highlights – what other celebs are involved?

Graham Norton, who also hosts the Children in Need night, offers us a Red Chair special.

The Irish comedian and author invites celebrities to take on the infamous red chair.

But, in a special BBC Children in Need twist, their fate is decided by a group of children who preside over the notorious lever!

Genius!

There will also be musical performances on the night from Ed Sheeran, and fellow chart-topping artist Tom Grennan.

The cast of the UK tour of 9 to 5 The Musical will take to the stage for a performance.

And, for the first time ever, a talented singer who has benefitted from support from BBC Children in Need-funded projects will give an emotional solo to the millions watching from home.

Elsewhere, there’s a Team GB and Paralympics GB School Sports Day, where some of the nation’s sporting heroes go head to head in a very competitive school sports day.

Angels of the North fans will enjoy seeing Sammyjo and her team of Longlox girls welcome two very special guests.

They enjoy a well-deserved pampering session at the infamous Gateshead super salon.

Celebs Go Dating’s Tom Read Wilson provides some extra ‘help’ as their enthusiastic celebrity trainee junior for the day.

Elsewhere, Bargain Hunt’s charity special features actor John Thomson and BBC newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti who battle it out with the help of their daughters.

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Children in Need 2021 airs on Friday November 19 2021 from 7pm on BBC One.

Will you be tuning in to Children in Need 2021? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.


Helen Fear
TV Editor