For one night only, Jeremy Paxman hands over the reins to journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who will once again host the proceedings as famous faces from the BBC and ITV compete against each other in separate teams for BBC Children in Need.

Rick Edwards will lead Team BBC and will be helped by fellow celebrity team mates Radio 4’s Mishal Husain, Mock the Week Comedian Angela Barnes and impressionist Jon Culshaw from Radio 4’s Dead Ringers.

Team ITV will be led by Broadcaster and Journalist Kaye Adams and consist of celebrity guests Dr Ranj Singh, comedian Russell Kane and Loose Women’s Denise Welch.

Both teams will be giving it their all for BBC Children in Need, but who will emerge victorious in this star-studded battle of the brains?

Rick Edwards, Team BBC Captain says: “I’ve subjected myself to a University Challenge appearance before and been humiliated, not to mention patronised by Paxman, but I am a very firm believer in facing your fears. Obviously I’m relieved that Kirsty was in the chair this time because she was a bit gentler!”

Kaye Adams, Team ITV Captain says: “Being on team ITV and going head to head with the Beeb was surreal but a good laugh. Obviously we all know it’s for a brilliant cause, but I would be lying if I said that reined in anyone’s competitive spirit!”

University Challenge, produced by ITV Studios Entertainment and based on the format of College Bowl by Richard Reid, is one of the most famous and iconic quiz shows in the world, where players must answer questions on all manner of subjects, with this special BBC Children in Need edition pitting BBC stars against ITV icons to see who emerges top of the class.

Viewers can make donations throughout the show by visiting bbc.co.uk/pudsey, or can donate £5 by texting the word DONATE to 70405, donate £10 by texting DONATE to 70410, donate £20 by texting DONATE to 70420 or to donate £30, text DONATE to 70430. Texts will cost your donation plus your standard network message charge and all of your donation will go to BBC Children in Need. You must be 16 or over and have the bill payer‘s permission. For full terms and conditions and more information visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey. Text services close at midnight on 30th November 2022.

Donation Details

Supporting BBC Children in Need this year is easier than ever. To learn more about the charity or make a donation to help transform the lives of children and young people across the UK, visit: bbc.co.uk/pudsey

You can also call 0345 7 33 22 33 and make a donation over the phone. (Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply).

You can donate on the phone or on the BBC Children in Need website. Use your debit or credit card, or your PayPal account.

Pay in your fundraising money at all major banks, building societies, or the Post Office.
Send a cheque or postal order to BBC Children in Need, PO Box 648, Salford, M5 0LB.