This year, BBC Children in Need have teamed up with The One Show, Morning Live and BBC Radio 2 to launch something extra special – The Challenge Squad.

As announced on The One Show this evening, the epic Challenge Squad is made up of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding, who will be championed by Jermaine Jenas, Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and Vernon Kay as they undertake incredible personal challenges to help make a difference to young lives.

In the coming weeks, the young people will find out what challenge they have been set by their celebrity ambassador – which will all culminate in some very special moments over BBC Children in Need’s 2023 Appeal week. Excitingly, two of the challenges will take place live on BBC Children in Need’s 2023 Appeal show, further details will be shared in the coming days, but audiences can look forward to two very moving performances on the night, one of which will include some extra special Strictly sparkle!

Over the past month, The One Show and Morning Live have been asking supporters up and down the UK to Challenge Yourself and be SPOTacular for BBC Children in Need – and they’re hoping the Challenge Squad will inspire everyone to get involved. There is still time to get fundraising whether it is climbing a mountain or taking on a baking challenge, every fundraiser will go on to help make a difference to young lives. And this year for the first time, every pound donated or raised in support of Challenge Yourself and the Challenge Squad will be matched pound for pound (up to a value of £1.5M) will be matched pound for pound (up to a value of £1.5M) by Postcode Education Trust, supported through People’s Postcode Lottery.

The One Show viewers will be able to watch how the Challenge Squad challenges unfold each evening, whilst learning the young people’s inspiring stories in the run up to the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.

The One Show’s Alex Jones who will be championing the squad and mentoring one of the young people ahead of their challenge, said: “We’re so happy to be supporting BBC Children in Need again! I’m looking forward to bringing the audience along on the journey with us and to see the Challenge Squad each complete an epic task.”

Also championing the squad, Jermaine Jenas added: “It is no secret that the last few years have been extremely difficult for so many children and young people around the UK. It warms our heart to be able to draw attention to the essential work of some of the incredible projects that BBC Children in Need fund and to share the difference these projects make to so many on a personal level.”

Roman Kemp who will also be mentoring one of the squad as they prepare for their challenge, commented: “I am proud to join the Challenge Squad on their journeys to encourage conversations that can help and to shine a light on the brilliant work of BBC Children in Need’s incredible projects that really do change young lives when they need it most. I hope that the stories and journeys of the powerful young individuals in the Challenge Squad inspire others to challenge themselves and make a difference.”

Vernon Kay, who will teaming up with one of squad as they undertake their epic challenge commented: “Each and every member of the Challenge Squad represents a different organisation that has transformed the reality of so many families and young people at a time in their life when they need it most. I am delighted to join the squad as they undertake some incredible challenges, I just hope they don’t show me up too much!"

The Challenge Squad is made up of the following young people:

Erin, 15 from East Renfrewshire, is a young carer for her mum, Sinead, who has a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sinead was diagnosed with MS back in 2016 and since then the condition has made staying mobile and completing basic household jobs increasingly hard. Neither Erin nor her family had considered her a young carer until they were introduced to East Renfrewshire Young Carers by Erin’s pastoral care teacher. The project has a grant from BBC Children in Need which helps them to provide a safe space for young carers to share concerns, get respite from their role at home and to make friends with shared experiences.

Angelos, 19 from London, was diagnosed with sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma - a rare form of cancer - back in 2021. As all of this was taking place during the pandemic, it was a devastating time for both Angelos and his family as hospital visits were greatly restricted. Against all odds, the treatments worked, and in 2022, scans showed he was clear of cancer. However, returning to everyday life after such a traumatic experience was a struggle. Through a recommendation, Angelos was introduced to Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity supported by BBC Children in Need, who have helped Angelos to adapt to life following his diagnosis, and overcome the lasting impact of cancer. By attending the charity’s activities and residential stays, Angelos has bonded with other young people affected by cancer, learnt new skills and enjoyed new opportunities, without cancer holding him back.

James, 14, from Hertfordshire, was just nine when his dad Paul died. Paul had a rare condition called Takayasu Arteritis and died following complications in heart surgery. For James, dealing with his father’s death was extremely difficult. He found it hard to accept what had happened and suffered from separation anxiety when he was away from his mum, Claire. James and Claire found Stand-by-me, a bereavement charity supported by BBC Children in Need. Stand-by-me helps young people to understand their grief, learn ways to manage emotions and build networks of support through their groupwork programme.

Brianna, 16 from Ipswich, was born with a rare genetic condition called Cat Eye Syndrome and underwent open heart surgery at just one week old. Following this very first surgery, the family were introduced to the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation (ECHO) – a project now funded by BBC Children in Need. Mum Sinead recalls the comfort of the advice and support from parents who understood what they were going through, and the project has been a constant in their lives ever since. Through ECHO Brianna says she has received practical and emotional support for her complex health conditions, and says she has found somewhere she “truly belongs”.

Commenting on the Challenge Squad, Joanne Vaughan-Jones, Editor of The One Show said: “We are absolutely delighted to be to sharing the inspirational personal stories of the truly remarkable team of young people that are championing the Challenge Squad by taking on some very personal challenges which will inspire audiences and raise funds at a time when they are needed most. The Squad are just amazing and the challenges are certainly going to be incredibly special.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need added: “The young people that make up the Challenge Squad embody the strength and solidarity of our next generation. It is fantastic that The One Show and Morning Live are shining a spotlight on the powerful stories of the squad and the projects that have supported them. Whilst we recognise that times are tough, we hope viewers at home are inspired by the Squad and donate what they can to help difference for children and young people around the UK.”

Watch The One Show from the 19 October – 20 November week nights at 7pm on BBC One to see how the challenges unfold. To donate please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey