Sara Cox Joins BBC Children in Need Presenting Team for 2026 Appeal

Sara Cox is joining the presenting team for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal, with the Radio 2 Breakfast Show host set to help lead the fundraising evening on BBC One on Friday 13 November.

Cox joins presenter Alex Jones, who has already been announced as one of the hosts for the annual charity event. Further names are expected to be revealed as the BBC prepares to refresh the presenting line-up for this year’s appeal.

The announcement comes after Cox took on an extraordinary fundraising challenge for Children in Need last year, completing an Ultra Marathon Challenge for BBC Radio 2. This time, she will be swapping the miles for a place in the studio as the nation comes together to support children and young people across the UK.

Speaking about her new role, Cox said: “It is a huge honour to be part of the BBC Children in Need presenting team! After completing my Children in Need Ultra Marathon Challenge for Radio 2 last year, I am looking forward to spending the evening in the warmth of a studio!”

She added: “Your donations make such a huge difference to young lives across the UK! I hope you join us on Friday 13 November, the show is sure to be a great one!”

Sara Cox joins Alex Jones for the Children in Need appeal

Cox will be in familiar broadcasting company on the night, joining Alex Jones as part of the team presenting the BBC’s flagship fundraising event.

The annual appeal brings together celebrity guests, moving personal stories and fundraising activities to raise money for projects supporting disadvantaged children and young people. Donations help fund organisations working with children and families facing a range of challenges, with the appeal supporting projects in communities across the UK.

Cox’s appointment follows her involvement in last year’s fundraising efforts, when she pushed herself physically for the cause. Her move into the presenting team gives her a new way to support the charity and encourage viewers to get involved.

With further presenters still to be announced, the BBC is expected to reveal more details about this year’s broadcast in the run-up to November.

Owain Wyn Evans takes on a 400-mile cycling challenge

Another familiar BBC voice will be helping to raise money for the appeal, as Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans prepares for an ambitious cycling challenge spanning all four nations of the UK.

The Welsh broadcaster, who presents BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show, will cycle almost 400 miles, beginning in Glasgow and finishing in Cardiff.

The five-day challenge will begin on Monday 9 November and conclude on Friday 13 November, the same evening that the Children in Need appeal is broadcast on BBC One.

The journey will put Evans through a demanding schedule as he travels across the UK to raise money for the charity. His challenge is part of the wider fundraising effort surrounding this year’s appeal, encouraging people to support Children in Need through sponsored activities and donations.

The timing means Evans is due to finish his ride on the day of the televised fundraiser, bringing his efforts to a close as viewers tune in to the evening’s programme.

When is BBC Children in Need 2026?

This year’s BBC Children in Need appeal will air on BBC One on Friday 13 November 2026.

Sara Cox and Alex Jones are among the presenters announced so far, with further names expected to be revealed. Owain Wyn Evans will also be raising money through his five-day cycling challenge, which starts in Glasgow on 9 November and ends in Cardiff on the night of the appeal.

The BBC’s annual fundraiser aims to support children and young people across the UK, with donations helping community projects and charities make a difference to young lives.

Viewers who want to find out more about the appeal, fundraising opportunities and how to get involved can visit bbc.co.uk/cin.

With Cox bringing her experience of last year’s Ultra Marathon Challenge to the studio, and Evans preparing to cycle almost 400 miles for the cause, the BBC’s fundraising campaign is already gathering momentum ahead of November’s live broadcast.

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