This year’s appeal night will be the pinnacle of a vast range of programming contributing to the 2012 BBC Children in Need campaign. The biggest names in entertainment will come together to support the appeal and help to raise money for disadvantaged children in the UK.

The star-studded evening of entertainment will feature music performances from One Direction who kick off the programme, plus Little Mix, Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, The Script, Paloma Faith, Il Divo and Tim Minchin. Pop superstars Girls Aloud will also reunite live in the studio for the exclusive first TV performance of their much anticipated official Children in Need 2012 single entitled ‘Something New’.

Britain’s Got Talent 2012 winner Pudsey the dog will finally meet his namesake, Children in Need’s own Pudsey bear, for an exclusive dance performance extravaganza.

Around 20 of Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes including Tom Daley, Rebecca Adlington, Louis Smith, David Weir, Nicola Adams and Ellie Simmonds will be throwing shapes in their very own music video set to Basement Jaxx’s ‘Do Your Thing’ – including a special section featuring Zara Phillips and her 3 Day Eventing teammates dancing the ‘Gangnam Style’.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers’ favourites Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant will return to the dance floor on a wing and a prayer for an unmissable performance with their partners Anton Du Beke and Flavia Cacace.

Doctor Who, featuring Matt Smith, will also bring viewers an extra special 'prequel' to its Christmas special, with a bespoke storyline made for Children in Need, and an exclusive preview trailer of the Christmas special including the first glimpse of the Doctor with his new companion. There will also be an exclusive preview of the Call The Midwife Christmas special.

The BBC Newsreaders, Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth and Bill Turnbull, will be pitting their driving skills against each other in a special edition of Top Gear’s ‘Star in a reasonably priced car’. A host of comedy specials will also feature including an exclusive episode of Not Going Out with Lee Mack featuring a cameo appearance from Sir Terry Wogan himself.

The action will spread across the country, as presenter and former chorister Aled Jones leads The Choir, which once more unites children across the UK's nations and regions and leads a 2,500 strong chorus of young singers in an unforgettable performance of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.

Viewers will also get a rare treat as pop princess Kylie Minogue performs reworkings of some of her classic hits accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, filmed at Proms in the Park in Hyde Park earlier this summer. Also EastEnder Shona McGarty (who plays Whitney) will be singing an extra special number.

The evening will feature films highlighting some of the vital work the charity is doing to change the lives of children throughout the UK. Fearne Cotton will introduce an appeal film on bullying and Robbie Williams will help tell the moving story of a family supported by Children in Need through a time of grief. Olympian Tom Daley will front a film about a teenage hero who has been helped by Children in Need and EastEnders actress Nina Wadia (who plays Zainab) meets a little boy whose life has been transformed by Children in Need’s “Friendship Project”.

Totaliser updates will be dotted throughout the night to keep viewers up to date with the total amount raised.

Sir Terry Wogan, Children in Need Life President says: "Children in Need as ever is graced by the presence of lovely ladies Tess and Fearne, and this year I'll be delighted to welcome Radio 1's morning star, Nick Grimshaw, to prop me up as the Friday appeal stretches into Saturday, and we head for what we hope will be another record-breaking total for the people’s charity. Every year of Children in Need is a shining tribute to the extraordinary generosity of the British people.''

Clare Pizey, BBC Executive Producer, says: “This year’s Children in Need is bigger and more ambitious than ever. I am delighted with the spectacular line-up who will come together to help raise money for the children who need it most, plus the fantastic addition of Nick Grimshaw to the presenting team. This is just a taste of what is to come, viewers can look forward to a few more extra special surprises on the night too. We will be asking the nation to call in with their pledges before the night is done, to help make this is an even more successful year for the charity.”

David Ramsden, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive, added: “This year's Campaign is bigger and better than ever and people right across the country are once again coming together to raise thousands that will help change the lives of disadvantaged children right here in the UK.”

Broadcast details

Friday 16th November

The One Show’s Children in Need special BBC One, 7.00pm – 7.30pm, with Matt Baker and Alex Jones

BBC Children in Need BBC One, 7.30pm – 10.00pm, with Sir Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly

BBC Children in Need BBC Two, 10.00pm – 10.35pm, (during the BBC One Ten O’Clock News) with Sir Terry Wogan and Fearne Cotton

BBC Children in Need BBC One, 10.35pm – time tbc approx. 1.30/2.00am, with Sir Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton and Nick Grimshaw

Celebrity quotes

• Tess Daly said: “It’s that time of year again and Children in Need is something that will always be very close to my heart. The generosity of the great British public excelled all expectations last year and I hope we’ll do even better this year. It’s going to be a brilliant night with some huge stars! I can’t wait.”
• Fearne Cotton said: “So excited about BBC Children in Need again, it’s always a real highlight of my year. We’ve got an amazing line-up, so hopefully we will top last year’s success. We hope the nation will get behind us!”
• Nick Grimshaw said: “I'm really excited to be co-hosting on Children In Need this year and working alongside the legend that is Sir Terry Wogan. I've been watching since I was a kid. It's one of my favourite events of the year and I used to force my mum to have a party and invite everyone around when it was on. Children In Need is an amazing charity and does incredibly important work so I feel privileged to be helping out.”
• Girls Aloud said: “It’s a huge privilege for us to perform the Children in Need official single this year and we’re really looking forward to making our first TV performance of ‘Something New’ on Appeal night. The charity has always meant a lot to us and we hope to raise as much money from the single as possible!"
• One Direction said: “It’s an honour to open BBC Children in Need’s Appeal show again this year and we are so excited about performing on the big night. Children in Need is such an important cause, one which we are always thrilled to support.”
• Tom Daley said: “'It's such an honour to be part of Children in Need this year, it's a fantastic cause. It was lots of fun doing some crazy moves for the dance video!"
• Russell Grant: "Thrilled to be back on Children in Need as I was in the first one ever! And to be dancing with Flavia once more is a Strictly dream come true. A fantastic cause doing something I love! Everyone's a winner!"
• Aled Jones said: “I am really proud to be so involved with Children in Need this year, to be heading up The Choir is a huge honour. ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is such a moving song and having visited some of the choirs around the country, I am certain that we will nail it and give the audience a real highlight on the big night."
• Leona Lewis said: “Children in Need is such a fantastic charity- I'm so lucky to be involved and can't wait to raise as much money as possible."
• Little Mix said: "We're really excited to be involved in BBC Children in Need. It's such a massive night, and is something we've all grown up watching every year. It's an honour to be involved, and we hope we can play our part in helping raise the biggest amount of money ever this year!"
• Susan Boyle said: "I am delighted to be able to return to Children in Need this year and support this event. It is a fantastic charity that raises much needed funds for children and I would urge everyone to be as generous as possible. I can't wait to be a part of this wonderful evening, hopefully we can beat last year’s total and raise even more this year!"
• The Script said: “It’s a privilege for The Script to be involved in Children in Need in this year. We will do our best to try help raise as much money as we can on the night for those who need it the most. It's gonna be an amazing night with a brilliant line-up. So bring your wallets and dig deep.”
• Paloma Faith said: “I am delighted to be part of such a national institution. I grew up watching and now I’m in it, and all the while helping children have better lives. How wonderful.”
• Sebastien Izambard from Il Divo said: "It’s so wonderful to be invited back to perform at Children in Need with Pudsey & co. It couldn't be in aid of something closer to my heart than helping disadvantaged or sick kids - especially now I live in the UK and am a parent. These little people are the future and need our support, I hope everyone plans to dig deep this year!" 

Notes to Editors

• Following last year’s huge success as Matt Baker completed his gruelling rickshaw ride from Edinburgh to London, The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge returns but this time six young people will take on the challenge. ‘Team Rickshaw' will be made up of six youngsters, all of whom have been either supported by or still are supported by BBC Children in Need-funded projects. They will embark on the arduous journey on the morning of Friday 9 November from Llandudno and will attempt to complete the marathon 411-mile journey in eight days, arriving at BBC Television Centre for The One Show's BBC Children in Need special on Friday 16 November. The youngsters will take it in turns to pedal the rickshaw as it makes its way from Llandudno in North Wales to London across demanding terrain in potentially harsh weather conditions accompanied by Matt Baker, who will act as team leader offering vital mentoring advice and support. Alex Jones will be joining the team along the way to rally support and help fundraise.
• The Choir will be singing live and in unison for Children in Need on Friday 16 November. 2,500 children all across the UK have been brought together with the help of Aled Jones to sing their hearts out for Children in Need. With so many ways to sing the song, Aled has found a way of unifying the choir by making a ‘How to sing the song’ DVD which has been sent out to all the choirs around the country. He has also visited choirs at several of the locations. In 15 locations across the nation, from Cardiff to Cambridge, Alnwick to Aberdeen, Birmingham to Belfast, the Children in Need choir will be performing Simon and Garfunkel's classic ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, starting off in Television Centre then across the nation. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales has recorded the arrangement. 
• There will also be a host of Children in Need themed programmes on the BBC around Appeal night from DIY SOS, Pointless, Blue Peter, Only Connect, CBeebies, Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt as well as Strictly Come Dancing’s Children In Need special live from Wembley Arena on Saturday 17 November.
• BBC Radio 2 will lend its support again with a whole host of exciting events and shows, including a night of live comedy and music Stand Up For Pudsey which was held on Monday 22 October at the Prince Edward Theatre in London with an array of comedians including Jo Brand, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray, and Radio 2’s Jon Holmes. Presenters Sir Terry Wogan will once again be hosting a special Weekend Wogan show live from the Savoy Theatre in London on 28 October, the day after Ken Bruce will be launching a special BBC Children in Need version of his famous daily quiz PopMaster and Chris Evans will also be lending his support, by hosting a series of very special BBC Children in Need auctions across the week of the Appeal.
• BBC Children in Need is currently supporting c.2,600 projects that are working with children facing a range of disadvantages like poverty and deprivation, disabled young people and children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect.
• Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners, BBC Children in Need is able to make a difference to thousands of young lives.
• For every penny donated to BBC Children in Need, a penny goes to projects helping disadvantaged children and young people right across the UK, this is because the charity uses its investment income and gift aid to cover running costs.
• The BBC Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

IV - for TV/broadcast-related enquiries

Clare Elliott or Lizzie Fee - for all Children in Need charity enquiries

Throughout August some of the biggest names from CBBC, CBeebies, BBC Learning, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 5 live will be hosting free live shows on the Piazza at MediaCityUK.

The season kicks off on 4/5 August with Sam & Mark’s CBBC Sports Day - a chance for families to have a go at a whole host of sports as well as watch Sam & Mark live on stage and some of the biggest battles from London 2012 live from the Olympic Live Site. This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from midday-5.00pm and tickets are not required.

On Friday 10 August, Craig Charles kicks off a musical weekend with a live BBC Radio 6 Music Soul and Funk show, with a DJ set from Craig and live performances from spectacular funk band The Haggis Horns.

The following day (Saturday 11 August) Justin Fletcher will be hosting Justin’s House Party in the Piazza with two live shows each accompanied by a screening of a brand new episode from the forthcoming series.

Sunday 12 August will see the stars of CBeebies come together for two extra special musical extravaganzas. Join Rastamouse, Bob the Builder, the Zingzillas and more at Singalong with CBeebies, a chance to see some one off performances from the stars of the channel as well as getting involved yourself!

On the 19 August we invite you to our red carpet Premiere’s Day, with screenings of brand-new CBBC dramas including Leonardo and Stepping Up, as well as a chance to ask questions to the cast of all the shows.

And then on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August there is a double header of big BBC radio shows. Firstly Radcliffe and Maconie will host their BBC Radio 6 Music show live from the Radcliffe and Maconie One-Date Roadshow, featuring live sessions from The Go! Team and other special musical guests.

They will then hand over to BBC Radio 5 live who will be celebrating the start of the football season with the biggest ever 5 Live 606 Fans Forum hosted by Mark Chapman and Robbie Savage.

All details on starting times and how to apply for tickets can be found at bbc.co.uk/showsandtours

Notes to Editors

Summer in the City is being led by MediaCityUK with support from Salford City Council.

*All events are ticketed apart from Sam & Mark’s CBBC Sports Day - all tickets are free of charge.

The launch means the BBC is the only UK content provider to make its programmes available for free to all Xbox 360 users in the UK. Users will be able to catch up on all the BBC programmes they know and love in a familiar, easy to use BBC iPlayer experience.

Xbox 360 users with Kinect will benefit from enhanced functionality. For the first time it is possible for BBC iPlayer users to discover and play programmes using hand gestures and voice recognition.

The launch on Xbox LIVE today, together with the launch on Sky later this year, will bring the service to millions of new users via the TV and builds on a substantial history of industry partnerships. BBC iPlayer is now on over 450 platforms and devices including Virgin Media, BT Vision, FreeSat, Freeview, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and hundreds of mobile phones, tablets, and internet-connected TVs.

Daniel Danker, BBC General Manager, Programmes & On-Demand, said: “Xbox is hugely successful in the UK. Given the BBC’s goal to reach its entire audience, I’m particularly excited that the BBC will be bringing iPlayer to all Xbox users at no extra cost as part of Xbox LIVE’s free membership.”

“As we continue our work to make BBC iPlayer as simple as possible, we’re also excited to experiment with natural user interfaces made possible with Kinect, including voice and gesture control. We believe it’s early days for these experiences, but see a great future working with partners such as Microsoft on innovations like these.”

Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment for Microsoft, said: “We are delighted that BBC iPlayer is now available on Xbox LIVE. Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the UK and globally last year, while Xbox LIVE is one of the UK’s leading comprehensive VOD entertainment services on TVs. The addition of BBC iPlayer takes the service to the next level. We offer a formidable line-up of the best TV and entertainment – both live and on-demand - from providers such as Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, Netflix, LOVEFiLM, Blinkbox, MSN, YouTube and many others.

“The way people interact with entertainment content is changing. Xbox LIVE is the only service in the world where you can search, discover and control TV, movies, video and music using voice and gesture via the power and magic of Kinect.”

The BBC has seen 433 million requests on TV* devices in 2011. This means one in four iPlayer requests are on the TV*. At this rate, the BBC projects that by 2015, over 50% of requests will be via TV* devices.

For BBC iPlayer on Xbox LIVE assets please use the following link: BBC iPlayer Assets.zip

* TV devices include Virgin Media plus other services capable of delivering BBC iPlayer direct to TVs, including IPTV platforms such as BT Vision, connected “Smart TVs” and connected set-top boxes, such as Freeview HD, Freesat HD, games consoles and some Blu-Ray players.

About BBC iPlayer

Launching on December 2007 as a simple catch-up website, BBC iPlayer has helped pioneer TV on demand by offering audiences the opportunity to watch selected TV programmes for up to 7 days after broadcast.

BBC iPlayer has since evolved, adding more TV programmes; including entire series and films, radio programmes, live TV channels & radio station, programme downloads for offline viewing and personalisation features such as Favourites and recommendations.

Variants of BBC iPlayer optimised for smartphones, tablets and connected TVs are also available, allowing audiences to catch-up or watch live wherever they are and on whatever device – offering access on the move over 3G and WiFi , or simple & convenient access via broadband on the living room TV.

Alex Jones and Steve Jones host the live final, as viewers vote for who they want to win the coveted twinkle-toed champion of the dance floor title. Over the past four weeks, 20 celebrity acts have been performing iconic dance routines, from Tina Turner’s Proud Mary to Lady GaGa & Beyoncé’s Telephone, in a bid to impress the judges and viewers, and win a place in the final.

This week the finalists will have to go all out to wow the viewers as the winner will be crowned based on the viewers’ phone votes alone. The panel of Paddy McGuinness, Rhod Gilbert and Frank Skinner will be on hand to offer their opinions on all of the performances.

Last year Emmerdale’s James Thornton and comedian Charlie Baker stole the show with their unforgettable Putting on the Ritz tap routine - but who will dance their way to victory and take the crown this year?

Let's Dance For Sport Relief is simulcast on BBC One and BBC One HD.

The artists are selected, mentored, and trained by four of the most successful figures in the music industry: Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’Donoghue and Sir Tom Jones. After selecting their favourite artists at the blind auditions, the coaches develop them through the remaining stages until one artist is named 'The Voice UK'.

The Voice was created and first produced in Holland by media entrepreneur John de Mol’s company Talpa.

The full media pack is available as a pdf here (inc contact details)

Engelbert calls for Britain to get behind him as he flies the flag for the nation this May at the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan in front of an estimated 120 million viewers worldwide. The song he will be performing (to be announced) will be recorded in London, Los Angeles and Nashville. It will be produced by Grammy award-winning Martin Terefe (James Morrison, KT Tunstall, Mary J Blige) and written by Martin Terefe and Ivor Novello winning Sacha Skarbek (Adele, James Blunt co-writer ‘You’re Beautiful’, Lana Del Rey)

In an illustrious career spanning over 45 years, Britain’s own Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, received four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year, 63 gold and 24 platinum records and is one of only a handful of artists with a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. To this day, Engelbert has remained a global star, he is often on the road and in the past year alone he has performed in major venues in the UK, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Israel.

Katie Taylor, BBC Head of Entertainment and Events, says: "Not since the 70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation. We couldn't be more delighted. Engelbert's experience leaves us in no doubt that he will be able to deliver a standout performance in front of 120 million viewers worldwide."

Derek McLean, BBC Creative Director Entertainment, says: “Engelbert has an incredible musical history and heritage, especially in the UK and Europe. He’s working with some of the best people in music to come up with the UK’s song for this year’s Eurovision. We’re very proud to have him on board.”

Engelbert Humperdinck added “It’s an absolute honour to be representing my country for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. I’m excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me!”

The Eurovision Song Competition will take place on Saturday, 26 May in Baku, Azerbaijan, broadcast live on BBC One, with commentary by Graham Norton.

Watch Englebert Humperdinck perform his classic hit 'Release Me' below:

Members of the public still have until 23:59 hrs GMT, this Friday (2 March) to apply to enter the ballot for a pair of free tickets to the concert, by visiting the BBC's Diamond Jubilee website.

This historic concert, a celebration of The Queen’s 60-year reign through music, will be attended by Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and other Members of the Royal Family.

Kylie Minogue said: “I’m honoured to be invited to perform at The Diamond Jubilee Concert. To share the stage in front of Buckingham Palace with music legends including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones and Elton John in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is very exciting.”

Stevie Wonder said: “It’s an honour to celebrate The Queen. It’s an honour to celebrate Great Britain. The time is overdue that I meet Her Majesty.”

Staged in the stunning surroundings of the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, the BBC and Gary Barlow have brought together leading talent from the world of music, and other acts already announced are (in alphabetical order) Shirley Bassey, Alfie Boe, Jools Holland, Jessie J, JLS, Elton John, Tom Jones, Lang Lang, Annie Lennox, Madness, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard and Ed Sheeran.

The unique concert stage has been designed by world-renowned architect Mark Fisher, and it will make full use of the historic backdrop with spectacular lighting and projections.

Those chosen by the ballot will be invited to attend both the concert and a Jubilee Picnic in the Buckingham Palace Garden. These “Diamond Ticket” invitations will be allocated according to the broad spread of the population around the UK.

The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC One HD and on BBC Radio 2 in the UK and to millions around the world, including by ABC exclusively in America who will show highlights of the concert the next day.