Children In Need 2020: What to expect this year

2020 has so far, been a year of uncertainty and rapid changes.

However there is one thing to be certain of, Children In Need is getting everyone fundraising and getting ready for the live appeal show on 13 November 2020!

There are lots of new appeals this year, and the TV show will go ahead - but how will Children In Need be different this year?

The charity has made it clear that even though things have changed, what it does hasn't - and coronavirus isn't stopping people from getting involved, in fact it's made them more creative!

Don't forget to let us know in the comments if you are doing anything this year.

Will there be a live appeal show?

Mel Giedroyc will be hosting!

Yes! It's Children In Need's 40th anniversary.

The appeal show will still go ahead, it will be live and it will be hosted as usual by lots of your favourite celebrities.

Mel Giedroyc will be returning to host the annual appeal show alongside Alex Scott MBE, Chris Ramsey and Stephen Mangan who will all be hosting BBC Children in Need for the first time.

However just like lots of other shows, social distancing will be in place and there will be a virtual audience too!

What to expect on the show?

There's going to be exclusives from Eastenders, Strictly and even Doctor Who!

Musical performances from Cinderella: The Musical, and Shawn Mendes!

Pudsey Bear: Behind the bandana will give us a look into who Pudsey is and what he does.

Joe Wicks 24-hour PE challenge!

Joe Wicks was named an MBE last month for keeping the nation fit during the first national lockdown

On Thursday Joe Wicks began his 24-hour PE challenge which finished on Friday morning, and he has raised a massive £1,520,020!

Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, encouraged people to join in at home, and to post pictures of their workout on social media.

Wicks worked out for 24 hours - all day and all night! He did a range of activities, from cycling to yoga, boxing to rowing, and his signature HIIT [high-intensity] workouts.

"I don't know how I'm still standing," said Wicks. "I thought I'd be asleep on the mat.

"But I think it's all your energy, it's the fact that you're taking part with me now makes me want to keep going."

The big bubble sing-a-long

McFly have reformed their 'band bubble' to get the nation singing in a covid safe manner!

On November 9 2020 there was a 'big bubble sing-a-long'.

McFly teamed up with BBC Children in Need and local BBC radio to get everyone singing.

The aim was to have as many people singing 'Happiness' by McFly in covid-secure manner.

This means people were together but apart singing the same song and raising lots of money for Children In Need.

The clips of everyone singing will be uploaded and shown on BBC One on appeal night.

The Rickshaw Challenge celebrates 10 years!

This years Rickshaw team! Eoin, Jim, Lauren, Lewis, Sarah, Rosie and Matt Baker

The Rickshaw Challenge celebrates its 10th year of fundraising this year.

And this year it's gone virtual!

Usually the Rickshaw team will ride in a straight line from one part of the UK to another.

This year, because of the restrictions that come with coronavirus, the team still rode 332 miles but they did it around Goodwood racetrack in West Sussex.

The team was made up of Eoin, Jim, Lauren, Lewis, Sarah and Rosie, all of whom have been supported by Children In Need projects, plus BBC's Matt Baker.

Lauren said: "I am excited to be joining Team Rickshaw this year and I'm determined to prove to myself that I can overcome the challenges I face. I want to share my story in the hope that I can help show the world that having a disability doesn't mean you can't succeed".

The finale of the Rickshaw Challenge will air tonight, 13 November, from 7pm on BBC One.

'Act Your Age'

Xera is 23 and was sponsored to build 23 sandcastles for her Act Your Age challenge.

The 'Act Your Age' campaign has been bringing people from all over and all ages together.

Virtually, in social bubbles and socially distanced people have been taking their ages and turning them into a fundraiser.

For example if you're 10 - you could join a challenge to jog 10 miles or be sponsored to be silent for 10 days!

People have been filming and uploading their challenges for a chance to be featured on the live show.

'Together We Can Change Young Lives'

Dick and Dom have made their promise! Have you made a pledge?

Coronavirus has been an continues to be a very unsettling time for lots of people.

Earlier in the year Children In Need revealed that 94% of children and young people have had cause to feel worried, sad or anxious during the pandemic.

When asked which one world issue they would most like to see improve or get better, 22% of children and young people selected climate change/global warming, followed by coronavirus (13%).

This lead to the 'Together We Can Change Young Lives' campaign being launched for 2020.

Lots of famous faces and everyday people have been making 'pledges' or promises on what they aim to do to change young lives here in the UK.

The promises have been shared far and wide and have been helping to raise money for charities and organisations to be able to help young people overcome the fears, worries and hardships that coronavirus has brought.

If you have been If you're worried about mental health, wellbeing or if you have any questions, speak to an adult that you trust. It might be a teacher or an older relative.

You might wish to speak to your local doctor or you can also ring Childline for free on 0800 11 11. This number does not show up on your phone bill.