When is Pudsey day 2022? Everything to know about this year's Children in Need

The charity broadcast is returning to TV screens for the 42nd time

A press photo of the presenters of Children in Need 2022
(Image credit: BBC)

The date for Pudsey Day 2022 has been announced - it's time to get your merchandise and get ready to give generously.

Children in Need is an annual charity event that supports local charities and projects to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people all over the country. Each year - much like Comic Relief's Red Nose Day (opens in new tab) - there's a big BBC event that entertains the nation and encourages people to donate to a good cause. All while shining a light on the various fundraising ideas (opens in new tab) undertaken by people up and down the country to raise funds for those in need.

Every year, the appeal show features BBC specials, performances and various fun and games. Last year we saw musical performances from Ed Sheeran and Tom Grennan, as well as fan-favourite TV shows The Repair Shop and First Dates meet Children in Need, and we're sure that 2022 will no doubt see the return of the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 (opens in new tab) Children in Need special too.

When is Pudsey Day 2022?

Children in Need's Pudsey Day will take place on Friday 18th November 2022, and will this year be hosted by Alex Scott, Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey, Jason Manford and Mel Geidroyc.

The BBC is yet to announce the itinerary for the appeal night - which will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer - but they have confirmed some of the features and celebrities who will be appearing on the show. These include Matt Baker's Rickshaw Relay, DIY SOS and The Repair Shop, and appearances from Graham Norton, Romesh Ranganathan and Lewis Capaldi.

A post shared by BBC Children in Need (@bbccin) (opens in new tab)

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The Rickshaw Relay sees Matt Baker MBE and a team of five incredibly inspiring young people, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects, take on a relay-style ride over five days. You can watch how they get on in a special one-off documentary on BBC One on Tuesday 15th November.

Matt has said ahead of the event: “I am so excited to get back on the road again. This is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait for you to meet this group of riders who all have their own inspiring stories to tell.

“We’d love to have your support on the road this year, but if you can’t make it please tune in and watch us on BBC Breakfast every morning, and when the documentary airs on 15th November. We know it’s a challenging year for everyone, but if you’re able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated and it will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people all over the UK.”

The DIY SOS team will be building a brand-new home for Leeds based, BBC Children in Need funded project, Getaway Girls (opens in new tab). They'll be be joined by an army of volunteers to create the charity’s new building – from the ground up – in just nine days.

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The new building will provide a much-needed safe space for vulnerable girls and young women living in Leeds, and will include offices, a creche, activity spaces, a music and media studio, counselling rooms and a garden.

BBC Children in Need 2022: Appeal night highlights

  • Blankety Blank: Bradley Walsh hosts a very special children’s takeover of Blankety Blank with contestants Maisie Smith and John Waite.
  • The Repair Shop: The Repair Shop team share the story behind a very special restoration and, in a TV first, will be revealing the results of the repair on the BBC Children in Need stage.
  • Graham Norton’s Red Chair: Celebrities once again take on Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair – with their fate in the hands of some cheeky youngsters.
  • The Weakest Link: Romesh Ranganathan will be hosting a special edition of the iconic game show in the studio - with a BBC Children in Need twist.
  • Fundraiser of the Year: The Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Awards (opens in new tab) are a chance to say a huge thank you to the people who support BBC Children in Need and make a big difference to children’s lives across the UK. Brand new for 2022, there will be two different awards: one for young fundraisers and one for adult fundraisers. The winners will be introduced on the night by BBC Radio 2’s Michael Ball OBE.
  • Junior Eurovision: After a nationwide search, a young contestant has been selected to fly out to Armenia to represent the UK and compete against 15 other countries. In a TV exclusive for BBC Children In Need the UK’s act will perform the song live for the very first time, ahead of the contest on 11 December.
  • Musical Performances: There’ll be an abundance of singing and dancing on the BBC Children in Need stage with music from Lewis Capaldi, a bespoke routine from the amazing dance troupe Diversity and much more. Plus, the BBC Children in Need Choir is back with a rendition of Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.
  • Appeal Films: Throughout the evening, films of children from around the UK will be shown to highlight the important work from BBC Children in Need.

How to fundraise for Children in Need 2022:

  • Get your boots on: BBC Countryfile is asking you to get together with friends or family for a walk and turn it into a fundraiser for BBC Children in Need. You can download your Get Ramble Ready fundraising pack (opens in new tab) now. 
  • Pedal for Pudsey: Take on your own mini Rickshaw Challenge for 2022 - made famous by former The One Show presenter (opens in new tab) Matt Baker - and get sponsored for a bike ride. Find their Pedal for Pudsey (opens in new tab) fundraising kit online for extra help and guidance. 
  • Get your Strictly on: Dress up in some sequins for the school run, wear your ballroom getup to the boardroom or host a dance-off. You can download some Pudsey special Strictly props (opens in new tab) too for the occasion. 
  • Build your own challenge: Take something you already love and make it a challenge! Think running faster or cycling for longer, baking from dusk til dawn or even blindfolded painting. Find out how to collect sponsorship money (opens in new tab) to help you get the best out of your challenge. 
  • Host a bake sale: Whether you’re selling Pudsey biscuits or competing for top baker, there’s no easier way to raise money than by grabbing your apron and baking to change young lives! Get some inspo for your creations with these easy baking recipes (opens in new tab)
  • On-the-spot challenge: Whatever you like to do for fun, get sponsored to do it on the spot for hours at a time - from dance-a-thons and keepy uppy to reading or playing chess. 
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If you're unable to fundraise, you can still just make a straight donation - and there are various ways you can donate to Children in Need (opens in new tab). You can donate online, by text or by phone, and some banks, building societies and post offices accept in-person donations too.

If you'd prefer to donate by post, then you're asked to send a cheque and not to send cash in an envelope.

Pudsey merchandise 2022:

Children in Need merchandise for adults

1. Women's Pudsey Black Flip Sequin T-Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

1. Women's Pudsey Black Flip Sequin T-Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £10.00 | Sizes: 8-20

Join in the fun with this glittery crew neck tee with a sequin Pudsey character face design. The seqins are gold when facing down, but flip them upwards to reveal silver sequins. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children In Need. 


2. Pudsey Yellow Official T Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

2. Pudsey Yellow Official T Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £9.00 | Sizes: S-XXXXL

Another fun t shirt design, this Children in Need tee features a Pudsey character head with a bright star and spot design and a pudsey arrow slogan. A minimum of 57% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


3. Pudsey Onesie - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

3. Pudsey Onesie - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £14.00 | Sizes: S-XL

This onesie comes complete with a hood and 3D ear detail, and would make a great get up for supporting the cause - whether that’s cosying up on the appeal night to watch the show or getting involved in some sponsored activities. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


4. Pudsey Character Black Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

4. Pudsey Character Black Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £10.00 | Sizes: S-XXXL

Another item that’s great to wear when carrying out fundraising activities, this fun collared shirt is covered in Pudsey characters to help get you in the spirit of the charity event. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children In Need. 


5. Pink Team Blush Collared Pyjamas - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

5. Pink Team Blush Collared Pyjamas - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £18.00 | Sizes: 4-22

Show your support with these full length, button-down pyjamas. The waistband is elasticated for maximum comfort and the slogan print ‘be awesome today’ is exactly the pep talk you need when getting out of bed in the morning. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children In Need. 


6. Pudsey and Blush Cosy Socks 2 Pack - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

6. Pudsey and Blush Cosy Socks 2 Pack - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £5.50 | Sizes: 4-8

This two pack of socks will keep your feet warm and cosy now the nights are getting colder, with a Pudsey bear or Blush bear print to choose from. There’s an elasticated topline and they’re made from supersoft fabric for maximum comfort. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 

Children in Need merchandise for kids

1. Pudsey Yellow Easy On Easy Wear Official T-Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

1. Pudsey Yellow Easy On Easy Wear Official T-Shirt - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £5.00 | Sizes: 4-14 years

Kids can wear matching Children in Need get up with this crew neck t shirt featuring the 2022 star and spots pudsey logo. This item is also sensory kind, with soft threads at the seam for extra comfort. A minimum of 57% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


2. Brown Blush Fleece Pyjamas - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

2. Brown Blush Fleece Pyjamas - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £10.00 | Sizes: 1-14 years

Get the family ready to curl up on the sofa on appeal night with these fluffy kids' pyjamas. Featuring Blush character embroidery with spotty 3D ears and bow, this set is a great gift for children who’ve given their all to fundraising this year. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


3. Unisex Pudsey Bear Yellow Hoodie - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

3. Unisex Pudsey Bear Yellow Hoodie - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £7.00 | Sizes: 1-14 years

This adorable kids hoodie has appliqué and embroidered detail as well as bear ears attached to the hood, so kids of all ages can get their Pudsey on for this year’s Children in Need. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


4. Pudsey Fancy Dress Costume - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

4. Pudsey Fancy Dress Costume - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £10.00 | Sizes: 2-8 years

For those kids who want to dress up extra special for their fundraising activities, why not go for this Pudsey dress, with ruffle detail straps, gathered frill detailing and a Pudsey character face design across the front - it’s sure to impress! A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


5. Yellow Pudsey Face 3D Hat - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

5. Yellow Pudsey Face 3D Hat - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £2.00 | Sizes: One size

Fight off the cold on those early morning walks to school with this cute beanie. The front has a Pudsey bear face design and there’s 3D ears on the top, so kids can show their support for the fantastic charity. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need.


6. Pudsey Bear Yellow All In One - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

6. Pudsey Bear Yellow All In One - View at ASDA (opens in new tab)

RRP: £7.00 | Sizes: 0-24 months

How could we not include this adorable baby grow, that will have your little ones looking just like a Pudsey bear cub. It’s super cosy with a fleece finish and has easy to use press stud fastenings - not to mention the cute ear attachments. A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need. 


Check out the rest of George at ASDA's Children in Need range (opens in new tab) here.

How much did Children in Need raise last year?

BBC Children in Need’s 2021 Appeal raised an incredible £39,389,048 during the charity’s 41st Appeal show - over £2million more than the amount raised in 2020. 

Presented by Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Graham Norton, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott MBE from MediaCity UK, Salford, the 2021 show featured a glittering array of famous faces to entertain the nation, whilst shining a light on the children and young people across the UK facing disadvantage.

The show was opened with a spectacular performance from global superstar, Ed Sheeran MBE, and viewers were then treated to a special sports day sketch which saw some of Britain’s best athletes take on a plethora of sports day challenges. Later in the evening, there was a heart-warming special of The Repair Shop (opens in new tab) that saw a teddy bear given a new lease of life, and Danny Dyer presented a special edition of the popular BBC One gameshow, The Wall.

In a fitting tribute to the charity’s Life-President, the show also saw the presentation of the sixth Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Award. The accolade recognises the charity’s fundraisers, of whom Sir Terry was a huge champion, and this year was awarded to Amy Wright, who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for BBC Children in Need over her many years of fundraising.

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Ellie Hutchings
Junior Features Writer

Ellie joined Goodto as a Junior Features Writer in 2022 after finishing her Master’s in Magazine Journalism at Nottingham Trent University. Previously, she completed successful work experience placements with BBC Good Food, The Big Issue and the Nottingham Post, and freelanced as an arts and entertainment writer alongside her studies. In 2021, Ellie graduated from Cardiff University with a first-class degree in Journalism.