Look To The Stars News: Children in Need

Stars Line Up For Annual BBC Children In Need Charity Appeal

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Sir Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon have been announced as presenters for one of the biggest nights in the TV calendar, the BBC Children in Need’s annual Appeal, live from Television Centre on Friday 18 November.

With even more associated programing than ever before, this will see the high point of the 2011 campaign. TV’s biggest names will give their all with a massive array of sketches, musical acts, live guests and plenty of glamour.

One Direction open the proceedings as the traditional BBC Children in Need Appeal telethon starts at 7:30pm. A whole host of music guests will follow, including JLS, Westlife, Susan Boyle and The Collective (featuring Gary Barlow, Ed Sheeran, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Ms. Dynamite, Tulisa, Wretch 32, Rizzle Kicks, MzBratt, Dot Rotten and Labrinth) who will sing the BBC Children in Need single ‘Teardrop’.

X Factor Star Sings For Blind Children

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Singer, songwriter and TV presenter Olly Murs delighted children and staff at the Royal London Society for Blind People’s (RLSB) award-winning Dorton House nursery, when he dropped in as part of the 2011 BBC Children in Need program.

Join Sir Terry Wogan For Celebrity Charity Show

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:15:00 +0000

On Sunday 30 October, British broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan will take his Radio 2 show to the Savoy Theatre on the Strand for the BBC Children in Need charity.

Currently home to the hit musical Legally Blonde, the Savoy Theatre has been an integral part of the Strand since opening it’s doors in 1881. Gary Barlow, Joss Stone, Michael Ball, The Ronnie Scott Jazz Band, Katie Melua and Englebert Humperdinck are among the guests joining Sir Terry on stage for a very special live show.

The afternoon continues with a champagne reception and banquet lunch in the beautifully refurbished Ballroom of the Savoy Hotel. Attended by Sir Terry and many other celebrity guests, the lunch will also include a charity auction hosted by Christopher Biggins.

Lady Gaga And Hugh Laurie To Take Part In Gary Barlow's Celebrity Charity Concert

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Gary Barlow is bringing together the biggest and brightest stars of the music industry for BBC Children in Need Rocks Manchester, a one-off concert to help change young lives in the UK.

Performing live will be an international stellar line-up including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, JLS, Elbow, N Dubz, Hugh Laurie, Snow Patrol, Michael Buble and the fabulous Lady Gaga!

The concert will take place on Thursday 17 November – the evening before the charity’s Appeal Night – at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester.

Brian May Joins Mel C On Stage For Charity

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, former Spice Girl Melanie C took to the stage joining cast members from the award-winning West End musical We Will Rock You to perform a unique curtain call charity collaboration – and was joined by a very special guest.

Introduced by writer and director of the show, comic genius Ben Elton, the performance was part of BBC Children in Need Pop Goes The Musical, a series of West End performances by pop stars to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

But as a further electrifying surprise for the audience, rock legend, founding member of Queen and music supervisor of the show Brian May took to the stage. He joined Melanie C in a fantastic and highly energised rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are The Champions’.

Peter Andre, Mel C And The Sugababes To Perform Musicals For Charity

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Stars such as Peter André, Melanie C, Stacey Solomon and the Sugababes will be appearing in special performances in London of some of the world’s greatest musicals for charity this month.

The gorgeous Peter Andre will be performing GHOST the Musical’s spectacular number ‘Unchained Melody’ at the Piccadilly Theatre (14 September). The loveable Stacey Solomon will appear in the encore for WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre to sing ‘For Good’ (10 September). The multi-chart-topping Sugababes will take on ABBA’s smash hit ‘Dancing Queen’ in MAMMA MIA! at The Prince of Wales Theatre (15 September). And finally, the legendary Melanie C will sing the highly charged ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ in the Queen musical We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre (13 September).

Gary Barlow Joins Rap Stars For Celebrity Charity Song

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Take That’s Gary Barlow will release an all-star charity single for the BBC’s Children in Need this November.

The single, a reworking of Massive Attack’s 1998 cult hit ‘Teardrop’, is being produced by Labrinth, who collaborated with Tinie Tempah on his massive UK hits ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Frisky’.

Joining Gary on the single will be an amazing line-up including: Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks, Dappy, Fazer, Tulisa, Miss Dynamite, Wretch 32, Tinchy Stryder, Mz Bratt, Dot Rotten and fellow X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos.

Jessie J To Shave Head For Charity

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Rumors have been flying for months that Jessie J will be parting with her iconic locks for charity, but now the singer has confirmed stories.

Next year she will be shaving her head, but has yet to decide which charity she will be supporting. Jessie’s locks are a huge part of her image so getting rid of them is a huge commitment. Jessie has stated in the past how important charity is to her and how she intends to use her fame to spread positive messages.

“It’s hair,” she tweeted. “It will grow back. Even if it takes 2 years, if it saves lives it’s worth it. Even if its 1 life that’s something.”

Bon Jovi Supports Children In Need Celebrity Charity Telethon

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Bon Jovi have matched fan donations of US$15,000 for the BBC’s Children in Need charity.

The classic rockers played an intimate gig for 100 fans at the BBC’s legendary Maida Vale studios in West London earlier this week, ahead of the charity’s annual telethon. The audience was made up of competition winners, and the band handed over the cash in the form of a giant check.

BBC’s Children in Need spectacular live appeal telethon show returns on Friday 19 November at 7.00pm on BBC One, with a variety of entertainment acts, all doing their bit to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.

Annie Lennox And David Gray Duet For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Fans of Annie Lennox and David Gray will be excited to learn that the two British music icons will release a charity single after Christmas.

Full Steam will be released on December 28, with all proceeds going to the Children in Need charity.

Children in Need is a BBC charity that provides practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Taylor Swift Surprises Children In Need

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Taylor Swift was a surprise guest at this year’s BBC Children in Need extravaganza in London on Friday night – an event that raised a massive £20,309,747 for charity.

Hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon, the seven hour show featured actors from some of Britain’s favorite shows – including Doctor Who, The Bill and the One Show.

“Another fantastic fundraising effort – we didn’t get quite to £21m but we got pretty close,” said Wogan, referring to last year’s total. “By the time we give you the full total in a couple of months’ time, I bet it’s got to be pretty close to what we made last year.”

Children In Need Benefit From Charity Singles

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

British comedian Peter Kay will unveil a new single to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need charity at the organization’s annual TV extravaganza on November 20.

Details of the single are being closely guarded, but the charity is promising over 100 faces from Britain and America will be involved in the video.

Also available from HMV and download and benefiting Children In Need is “All You Need is Love” – a reworking of the Beatles classic, recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios, featuring the talents of Terry Wogan, Bill Wyman, Brian May, Bryan Ferry, Sharon Corr, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Paloma Faith, Lee Mead, Hayley Westenra and more.

Take That And Friends To Rock Children In Need Tonight

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Thousands of charity-minded people are expected to pack the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight, November 12, for a huge star-studded concert organized by Gary Barlow and Take That.

Every year, BBC Children in Need creates magic moments that raise huge amounts of money for disadvantaged children, and this year the UK’s finest musicians hope to help raise more than ever with a spectacular show at the Royal Albert Hall.

The star-studded bill includes; Lily Allen, Paul McCartney, Dizzee Rascal, Dame Shirley Bassey, Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol, Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud, Katherine Jenkins and Muse. And of course Gary will also perform on the night with his Take That partners, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, as they again show their unwavering support of the charity – there’s even rumors of a possible reunion with Robbie Williams.

Christmas Charity Singles Hit The Market

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

It’s that time year again – a new wave of charity singles are about to hit the market to spread goodwill in the Christmas season.

Leading the pack this year is a new single from Eric Clapton recorded with Paul Stewart – eldest son of Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart – called “Fly Free.”

Recorded in honour of the racing legend’s 70th birthday, the song will be released on 15 November 2009. All proceeds will be donated to the Grand Prix Mechanics’ Charitable Trust, an organization founded by Sir Jackie Stewart and others more than 20 years ago that assists Grand Prix, former Grand Prix mechanics, their wives, widows and children in times of need.

Paul McCartney Joins Charity Concert Line Up

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Paul McCartney will headline a gig at London’s Royal Albert Hall in aid of Children in Need. The concert was organized by Take That singer Gary Barlow and will take place on November 12.

McCartney will be sharing the stage with Muse, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol, Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Shirley Bassey.

Sir Terry Wogan, announcing the line up on his Radio 2 show, said, “This concert is helping to make a really special year for Children in Need.”

Beatlemania Returns For Charity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Beatlemania has hit the headlines once again this week, with the release of the Fab Four’s remastered CD collection, their Rock Band video game, and a popular British presenter’s efforts to re-record their hits for charity.

A whole new generation of fans are currently being exposed to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo through the release of Rock Star, and a number of limited edition Xbox 360 consoles are available to benefit Doctors Without Borders. The consoles are available at eBay.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.

Terry Wogan To Return To The Lost City For Children In Need

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

For the third year running, Sir Terry Wogan is to return to Leicester, the place he once famously dubbed the ‘lost city’, for the annual TOGs’ (Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals) convention.

The convention will be the fifth time the TOGs have returned to Leicester, and the slogan for this year’s meeting is TOGs 2009 AUSTRALIA (‘All Up Standing TOGs Rally AT Leicester In August’).

Sir Terry will attend a champagne reception and lunch at the University of Leicester on Friday 21st August 2009, joining more than 90 TOGs at their three-day convention, held at the University’s Stamford Hall. He will be welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Robert Burgess.

Gary Barlow Organizes Charity Concert

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Take That singer Gary Barlow is planning a one-off charity fundraising extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall.

Following his successful charity trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro earlier this year, the singer has now enlisted the help of Peter Kay, Leona Lewis, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin to put on the show.

“Gary’s been bitten by the fundraising bug,” reported The Sun. “He was amazed by people’s generosity during his Kilimanjaro climb. As soon as he got off the mountain he made the decision to lend his support to more charities. Take That are going to perform and there will be a whole host of surprises throughout the evening. It is shaping up to be a very special night.”

Kylie Bears All For Charity

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Kylie Minogue is the latest star to join the BBC Children in Need campaign.

The 40-year-old singer has signed one of the charity appeal’s mascot Pudsy Bears to be auctioned off on eBay, with proceeds going to provide practical and lasting support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under, including those who have experienced homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, and those who’ve encountered serious illnesses, disabilities, psychological disorders or addictions.

Minogue’s signed bear joins bears signed by Terry Wogan, James Taylor, Ken Bruce, Sarah Kennedy, Alan Dedicoat, Richard Allinson, Jeremy Vine, Charles Nove, Eammon Holmes, John Marsh and many more.

Terry Wogan To Croon For Christmas Charity Single

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Veteran British television and radio presenter Terry Wogan has teamed up with Welsh singer Aled Jones to release a Christmas single for charity.

The unlikely duo are raising funds for Children in Need with their version of the Bing Crosby and David Bowie classic ‘Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth’.

“Aled Jones sings like the canary that he is,” joked 70-year-old Wogan. “But listeners may also detect my croaking in the background and wonder if it’s a rumbling of the stomach!”

Children In Need Concert Makes History

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

British broadcasters Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, and Fearne Cotton hosted the annual BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14.

The epic seven hour show featured performances from the Sugababes, Boyzone, Leon Jackson, McFly, the Stereophonics, John Barrowman, Il Divo, Jason Donovan Russell Watson, Alesha Dixon, Razorlight, Sharleen Spiteri and many others. Girls Aloud also made a special appearance, and there were surprise contributions from Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Black, Will Young, Richard Hammond, and Stevie Wonder. Take That donated £250,000 from their ticket sales and a recent Marks and Spencer modeling deal.

But perhaps the funniest highlights of the night came from a performance of Abba hits from six BBC newsreaders. The cast of Eastenders also took to the stage for a song and dance.

Sharleen Spiteri Gigs With Autistic Children

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Scottish singer Sharleen Spiteri lent her support to Nordoff Robbins last week when she visited a school that integrates children with autism into classes and provides music therapy as part of their lessons.

The 41-year-old lead singer of Texas played a few tunes for children at Hopefield Primary in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, to raise awareness of music therapy in schools.

“It was great to do a song with the kids playing along on their drums, shakers and bells,” Spiteri told the Sunday Mail in the UK. "It ended up being a lot easier than some big gigs I’ve done where thousands of fans clap along out of time. That’s an absolute nightmare. Playing to a bunch of kids who were totally into the music was both satisfying and very humbling. But that’s the power of music. I was a total stranger but music brought us together.

Celebrities Redesign Children's TV Character

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Yesterday, Look To TheStars brought you news about a new auction featuring James Bond star Daniel Craig’s watch to raise cash for the Children in Need charity. Well, here’s something similar for our younger readers: a whole bunch of stars have given one of the characters of an award-winning children’s TV show a makeover, and they want you to bid for them.

The Spice Girls’ Melanie C, Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson and former Home And Away actress Isla Fisher are among the celebrities who have come up with new designs for Igglepiggle, a central character from In The Night Garden.

The framed and signed designs are up for sale right now over on eBay, and all proceeds will go to the BBC’s Children in Need campaign to help support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. But hurry, the auction ends on November 12.

Daniel Craig Donates Watch To Charity Auction

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

A wristwatch belonging to Daniel Craig is being auctioned for Children in Need.

The watch – similar to the one Craig wears as James Bond in the latest 007 film Quantum of Solace – was presented to Jonathan Ross when the Bond star appeared on his talk show.

A lap with Top Gear driver The Stig and tickets to the final of Celebrity Scissorhands are also up for sale in the auction that starts later today, November 10, as are lots of signed Pudsey Bears – the Children In Need mascot – and bandanas, signed items from BBC Dramas such as Casualty and Holby City, and some props from the popular BBC series, The Apprentice.

Children in Need

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:27:27 +0000

The stars have lined up for the 2007 Children in Need Appeal, the BBC’s annual TV charity event. Airing tonight on BBC One, the evening of special programming will be hosted by Terry Wogan, and will feature special live performances by the Spice Girls in LA, Kylie Minogue, Westlife, Annie Lennox, David Gray and Sugababes.

The Spice Girls are also helping out by donating funds from their new single “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)”. [Amazon: CD, MP3]

Irish boy band Boyzone have reformed for the event; the band split seven years ago when lead singer Ronan Keating went solo.