A number of famous faces have joined forces to support the launch of BBC's 2022 Children in Need fundraising appeal. The stars include former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, fitness coach Joe Wicks, podcast host and author Giovanna Fletcher and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK's Blu Hydrangea.
They're also joined by Loose Women star and TV presenter Katie Piper, reality TV star Dani Dyer, Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, social media star Tilly Ramsay, broadcaster Anita Rani, YouTuber Lewys Ball, blogger Louise Pentland and Dr Julie Smith. The celebrities have all come together to support this year's Spotacular campaign which is raising funds to help tackle the effects the cost-of-living crisis is having on children and young people.
A film voiced by rapper Lady Leshurr has also been shared on the Children in Need Twitter to kickstart the fundraising campaign. It comes as Jason Manford, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott have been confirmed as part of the appeal show's presenting line-up.
One of this year's fundraising campaigns is 'Walk with Joe' and The Body Coach, Joe Wicks, will be leading walks at four different parkrun locations across the UK encouraging people to boost their physical and mental wellbeing. You can head to your local parkrun event over the first two weekends in November to take part and walkers will also be asked to donate what they can to the appeal.
The fitness expert will also be walking a 30-mile ultra-marathon on November 18 for the campaign. Starting at MediaCityUK, Joe will be joined by a number of special guests along the route and aims to finish the ultra-marathon in 10 hours during the appeal show.
Reflecting on the Spotacular launch, Laura Whitmore said: “Children, young people and families across the UK are facing a multitude of challenges including, poverty, mental health problems, illness, isolation, loneliness and social injustice. With your support the British public can donate to help BBC Children In Need fund projects to deliver the right support and guidance for children and young people who need our support, right now.”
Giovanna Fletcher, who has three children with McFly's Tom Fletcher, added: “BBC Children In Need is an annual event in my home, my whole family gets baking and fundraising to support children and young people who need it most.
“BBC Children In Need really can change young lives by providing vital funds to community projects that support children and young people’s physical and mental wellbeing. I’m delighted to be supporting the 2022 Appeal and I can’t wait to see the nation get Spotacular, raise funds and enjoy a night of amazing TV.”
Children In Need for The Great Spotacular will air on November 18 from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer. For all the details on how to get involved in Children in Need and all of this year's fundraising activities visit bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
