Tyler West says hosting Children In Need ‘means everything to me’

TV presenter Tyler West has said it “means everything to me” to host the BBC’s Children In Need appeal show for the first time, and wants to help young people “find their voice”.

The 30-year-old will make his presenting debut alongside The One Show host Alex Jones, broadcaster Rylan Clark and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, while comedian Mel Giedroyc returns for her 10th year.

West said being part of the charity’s flagship fundraising programme was “one of the biggest honours of my life so far”.

“Being part of Children In Need this year means everything to me,” he said.

“I never felt that I had a voice when I was younger, so the fact I can be part of such a special cause, helping other young people find theirs, means the world.”

West, who previously worked as a youth worker before entering television, added: “It isn’t just a job, it’s a special moment to celebrate and support young people across the UK.”

Giedroyc, who has presented the programme for the past decade, said she was “so honoured and privileged” to continue to be involved.

“It’s a red-letter day, and one of the most life-affirming and important for me in my calendar,” she added.

The 58-year-old continued: “I think Children In Need is so important because it’s something that brings people together in the most brilliant and real way.

“It’s wonderful to have that atmosphere in the studio with all the fun stuff on stage, but also our audience that come faithfully every year, including so many people helped and inspired by Children In Need, and also their families.

“It’s a very, very special event.”

Welsh broadcaster Jones said it “means the absolute world” to be part of the presenting team while broadcaster Clark, who is a long-standing supporter of the charity, described the opportunity as a “real honour”.

This year’s fundraising campaign, Challenge Yourself 2026, encourages people to create their own challenge inspired by the number 26 and raise money for the charity to support children and young people.

The campaign launched in September with a limited-edition T-shirt designed by Spice Girls star Emma Bunton.

Famous faces including JLS star JB Gill, TV presenter Angela Scanlon and dancer Jordan Banjo are among those supporting the appeal.

Elsewhere, Morning Live presenters Michelle Ackerley and Gethin Jones are taking on a challenge to learn new instruments and form a band, with the aim of performing together to raise money for the charity.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans is also taking on a five-day cycling challenge this month, travelling nearly 400 miles through all four UK nations.

Starting in Glasgow on November 9, his route will take him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, before finishing in Cardiff on November 13.

Supporters can also take part in Run With Pudsey And Joe Wicks, which challenges people to walk, run or roll their way to a marathon by completing two miles a day in the two weeks leading up to the appeal show.

The three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme will be broadcast live from Salford, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”.

The show will also include a return from the Children In Need choir, and will showcase inspiring stories from children and young people across the UK to highlight the impact of the charity.

BBC Children In Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on November 13.