Children in Need 2018: When is it, what’s taking place and how can I donate?

Children in Need 2018 airs on BBC1 on Friday 16 November.

The charity fundraiser has earned more than £972m since it was first broadcast in 1980 with the much-missed Sir Terry Wogan at the helm, and organisers are optimistic they can surpass last year's impressive £60.7m total this time around.

Here’s everything you need to know about the forthcoming TV spectacular.

When is Children in Need on?

The show starts on BBC1 on Friday 16 November from 7.30pm to 10pm before resuming after the news and running from 10.40pm until 2.00am.

There will also be a Mastermind special, hosted by Stephen Mangan, taking place on BBC2 during the interval.

Earlier in the day there will also be special Children in Need episodes of Bargain Hunt and The One Show on BBC1, at 12.15pm and 7pm respectively.

Who is hosting?

Tess Daly, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Ade Adepitan, comedian Rob Beckett and pop stars Rochelle and Marvin Humes will be on presenting duties throughout the night.

Beckett, the newest member of the team, said: “I am so excited to be presenting BBC Children in Need this year. It’s a British institution and a wonderful charity, so to be asked to help out is a huge honour. My parents are going to be bursting with pride! I also get to meet Pudsey! I can’t wait!”

This year’s theme is “Do Your Thing”, encouraging people to channel their own passions and hobbies into helping disadvantaged young people.

What’s happening?

There are many star-studded events planned for what promises to be a busy evening.

A young fan supported by the charity gets the chance to visit the set of Doctor Who for a surprise encounter with Jodie Whittaker.

Matt Baker and six intrepid youngsters will complete their gruelling eight-day “Rickshaw Challenge” ride from Calais when they cross the finish line in Salford.

The cast of EastEnders will lay on a musical number in Albert Square, the stars of West End hits School of Rock and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will perform live and the Children’s Choir will sing “A Million Dreams” from the popular movie The Greatest Showman.

Also on a musical theme, Little Mix, Sheridan Smith and Alfie Boe will be on hand to help a group of the charity’s project workers film a music video.

Nineties pin-ups Boyzone will meanwhile take to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom and there will be a preview of the upcoming Call the Midwife Christmas special.

The final 90 minutes from 12.30am to 2.00am will round off the evening with Children in Need Rocks, a concert hosted by Fearne Cotton and Clara Amfo featuring Sir Rod Stewart, Rita Ora, George Ezra, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers and Chic and Olly Murs performing at the SSE Arena in Wembley.

What is this year’s charity single?

In addition to the broadcast and concert, Jamie Cullum has written “Love is in the Picture” especially for the cause.

All proceeds from sales of the single will go to Children in Need and the artist will perform the song live on the show.

How will I be able to donate?

You will be able to call in and donate throughout the night by calling 0345 733 2233 or online at bbc.co.uk/pudsey via your credit and debit cards or PayPal account. Standard geographic charges from mobiles and landlines will apply.

You will also be able to do so by text: to donate £10, text DONATE to 70410; to donate £20, text DONATE to 70420; or to donate £30, text DONATE to 70430.

All money earned through fundraising can be paid in at all major banks, building societies and via the Post Office. Just send a cheque or postal order to BBC Children in Need, PO Box 648, Salford, M5 0LB.