The One Show reveals Vernon Kay’s starring role in this year’s BBC Children In Need

Vernon Kay and Rochelle Humes are to join the presenting line-up of the BBC’s Children In Need appeal.

The pair will be hosting alongside Paralympian Ade Adepitan, comedian Mel Giedroyc, presenter Chris Ramsay and actor Lenny Rush live from MediaCityUK in Salford on Friday 15 November.

The three-hour show will be packed with star-studded sketches, musical acts and a host of celebrity surprises.

The new additions were announced on Tuesday’s episode of The One Show and come after Kay completed her ultramarathon challenge with BBC Radio 2, which raised more than £6m for last year’s appeal .

The Radio 2 presenter, who went to St Joseph’s RC High School in Horwich, said he is “truly honoured” to be part of the appeal program this year as he believes it raises funds for a ” incredible cause.”

“Last year’s knee-jerk race from Leicester to Bolton was brutal, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, so I’m delighted to be joining you from the comfort of MediaCity this time.” he added.

Saturdays singer-turned-presenter Humes returns to host the show for the first time since 2019.

“Nothing brings the UK together like BBC Children In Need and I’m delighted to be back in the studio this year,” she added.

“I’m always blown away by the generosity and spirit of the night, and it’s a wonderful cause so close to my heart.

“I’m sure there will be lots of laughs, tears, surprises and loads of inspiration in store for everyone on the night.”

Adepitan said it was “beyond exciting” to return to the show, which he believes will be “brighter and more dazzling than ever”.

Giedroyc, Ramsay and Rush also shared how excited they were to return to the presenting roles, with Ramsay saying: “To be part of something that makes such a real difference is a real privilege, especially seeing how the funds raised support directly to those who need it. “Now more than ever, this support is essential.”

It was also announced on Tuesday that BBC radio presenters from across the UK will be diving headfirst into a new ‘thousand mile’ swim challenge for the appeal.

The presenters will be supported by former British Olympic swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster.

The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, said: “Our super six from Salford are ready to lead everyone through a brilliant night of entertainment that really brings people across the UK together for a incredibly important cause. It will be unmissable.”

Executive producer Peter Davey added: “The team are working tirelessly to create something special, and I can promise a fantastic night of family entertainment, led by our amazing presenters and full of treats and surprises for all ages.

“BBC Children In Need is one of those special shows where everyone can come together to laugh, cry and hopefully give what they can to help those in need.”

Musicians Emma Bunton, Rita Ora and Tom Fletcher helped launch the BBC Children In Need 2024 appeal in September.

To inspire people to give, celebrities shared their personal childhood stories and advice to their younger self that would have helped make their lives lighter as children.

The money raised funds family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and shelters, homeless shelters, hospices and helplines across the UK.

More details about the show, which will air from 7pm on Friday 15 November, will be revealed in due course.