Children In Need Season 42, Episode 1: Live Telethon 2021

The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge

The Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need is back with an exciting new twist for 2021 in this one-off special. As the challenge enters its 11th year, Matt Baker and a team of five young people, all of whom have been supported by projects funded by BBC Children in Need, take on a relay-style ride through their hometowns and other places across the UK that hold a particular significance for them. The programme also celebrates the history of this much-loved BBC Children in Need staple, while at the same time raising life-changing money for the charity as part of its 2021 Appeal.

60 min

Dr Alex: Our Mental Health Crisis

Dr Alex George follows the journeys of young people across the UK who are living with mental health issues. He explores the wide range of difficulties they face and finds out how local charities, including projects funded by Children in Need, are making a difference. As an A&E doctor and the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Alex has seen at first hand the effects of the pandemic on young people's mental wellbeing, but he never thought they would affect his own family. But in July 2020, Alex's 19-year-old brother Llyr, who had been struggling with anxiety during lockdown, took his own life. This poignant film is his response.

60 min

University Challenge

60 min

The Best Bits

60 min

Live Show - Scotland

Jackie Bird presents her 21st appeal show live from BBC Scotland’s headquarters in Glasgow. She is joined by a host of famous faces to help raise money to support young people across the country. There is comedy from Scot Squad’s favourite traffic cops McKirdy and Singh, Judy Murray attempts to find her 'other' son Duncan’s special skill, and Des Clarke invites some special guest comedians to help him out with a special Children in Need version of Breaking the News, plus music from former postman Nathan 'Wellerman' Evans and acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald.

60 min

Northern Ireland's Best Bits

Connor Phillips and Holly Hamilton join Pudsey for highlights from this year’s Children in Need, meeting the fundraisers and local organisations that benefit from your donations.

60 min

The Big Welsh Round-Up

Comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean returns to present BBC Children in Need 2021: The Big Welsh Round-Up. Kiri finds out how people across the nation have been raising money for this year's appeal and how the money donated has benefited projects and young people in Wales. There is live music, a host of celebrity messages and a very special virtual choir, featuring children from north and south Wales singing this year's Children in Need song.

60 min