This year, the BBC’s Children in Need was brought to life by a stellar line-up of presenters including Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey and Lenny Rush.
The 2024 hosting team was there to guide viewers through a three-hour extravaganza filled with laugh-out-loud comedy sketches and performances from a galaxy of stars.
Highlights included an Outnumbered reunion special, Gary Oldman narrating a CBeebies Bedtime story, and the return of Graham Norton’s iconic Red Chair segment.
For the first time ever in Children in Need history, the beloved TV character Bluey was set to be whisked away into the dazzling world of Strictly Come Dancing.
Despite the entertainment on offer, some viewers were quick to voice their opinions on social media, expressing dissatisfaction with the number of presenters sharing the stage, reports the Mirror.
One viewer remarked: “I love them all but surely they only need two hosts at the most?!”
Another added their voice to the conversation, saying: “6 presenters. Really???? #childreninneed.”
A third shared their surprise, commenting: “Haven’t watched #childreninneed for years … turned it on, and why on earth are there 6 presenters! Just carnage and only 7 minutes in.”
Meanwhile, the show’s duration also sparked comments, with some fans reminiscing about past years when the broadcast extended well into the night.
One person reminisced: “Does anyone remember when shows such as #ChildrenInNeed used to go on until 1am?”
Another questioned the necessity of multiple hosts, tweeting: “Why are there so many hosts though? I get having that many when Children In Need went on until like 2am like the old days but now? There are only 3 hours you only need like 3 or 4 of them #childreninneed” (sic).
However, some viewers were thrilled over the show’s hosts, with one stating: “Glad Rochelle and Vernon are hosting.”
Another chimed in with praise for a different personality: “Lenny is so savage and I love him! He is just so funny.”
While new faces have joined, this year marks Mel Giedroyc’s eighth stint at the helm of the programme. Reflecting on her role, Mel said: “It’s one of my very favourite ‘work’ nights of the year. If you can call it work! It’s the incredible feeling in the studio in Salford of everybody coming together for this brilliant life-affirming reason – hearing from kids and watching their stories. That’s what it is all about. I think it brings out the very best of us all.”
Vernon Kay, a familiar BBC figure, also shared his personal sentiments regarding the show, adding: “BBC Children in Need has always been a big deal in our house, as you’ll know Tess presented for years alongside Sir Terry, so it’s a really big deal for me to be a part of it.
“There’s the emotional element of being part of something that’s doing so much good, but also the practical (terrifying! ) element that it’s a massive production and millions of people will be tuning in. I’m going to be wearing my lucky underpants on the night, that’s for sure, and I’ll be tapping Tess up for some tips in these next few weeks.”
Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.