Vernon Kay from Bolton joins the BBC Children In Need group of presenters

The pair will perform 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 filled with star-studded skits, musical acts and surprises from a host of celebrities.

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

The Radio 2 presenter, who attended St Joseph’s RC High School in Horwich, said he is “truly honoured” to be part of this year’s appeal show as he believes it will raise money for an “incredible cause ”.

“The knee-wrecking run from Leicester to Bolton last year was brutal – one of the toughest things I’ve ever done – so I’m glad I can join you this time from the comfort of MediaCity,” he added.

Saturday singer and presenter Humes returns to host the show for the first time since 2019.

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

“I am always overwhelmed by the generosity and atmosphere of the evening, and it is a wonderful cause that is so close to my heart.

“I’m sure there will be lots of laughter, tears, surprises and a whole lot of inspiration in store for us all that evening.”

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

Giedroyc, Ramsay and Rush also shared how excited they were to step back into presenting roles, with Ramsay saying: “Being part of something that makes such a real difference is a real privilege, especially when you see how the funds raised directly benefit people support in need. – now more than ever, that support is essential.”

It was also announced on Tuesday that BBC radio presenters from across the UK will be the first to take on a new “thousand mile” swimming challenge for the appeal.

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

The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, said: “Our Salford super six are ready to lead everyone through a brilliant evening of entertainment that really unites people from across Britain for an incredibly important cause. It becomes indispensable.”

Executive producer Peter Davey added: “The team are working tirelessly to create something special, and I can promise a fantastic evening of family entertainment, led by our wonderful presenters and filled with 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 donate 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 donate, the celebrities shared their personal childhood stories and a piece of advice to their younger selves that would have made their lives lighter as a child.

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

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