Timothée Chalamet and his fellow cast members from the Dune franchise will surprise presenter Rylan Clark with an on-air prank during this year's Children in Need broadcast, according to BBC News. The Oscar-nominated actor will be joined by Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy as they discuss the third instalment of the film series, with the twist that children behind the scenes will feed Chalamet suggestions in an Impractical Jokers-style format designed to unsettle the interviewer.
The prank segment forms part of a three-hour live broadcast hosted from Salford by Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West. The show will air on BBC One from 19:00 GMT on Friday 13 November 2026, with a signed broadcast available at 18:58 on BBC Red Button.
This year's appeal carries the theme Challenge Yourself 2026, spotlighting individuals undertaking personal missions to raise funds. Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans has completed a particularly demanding feat: a 400-mile cycle ride spanning all four UK nations. He departed Glasgow on 9 November and finished in Cardiff on Friday, raising more than £3.8 million in the process.
Wyn Evans, who has previously expressed doubts about the challenge, was accompanied on his final leg by Harri, a 22-year-old living with lasting effects of a brain tumour. Harri is one of four young people selected for The One Show's "challenge squad", a group undertaking personal missions as part of the appeal.
The other squad members include 16-year-old Zoe, who has Down's syndrome and will dance with the cast of High School Musical, Ana, also 16, who has a rare physical condition and is undertaking a three-day kayaking challenge, and 22-year-old Serena, who will perform live in memory of her late brother and a childhood friend.
Zoe has been preparing for her dancing challenge with support from Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden. The Challenge Yourself 2026 theme has also seen Morning Live presenters Michelle Ackerley and Gethin Jones learn new instruments, while celebrities including Joe Wicks and Emma Bunton have participated in various activities for the cause.
How much has the appeal raised in previous years?
Last year's appeal raised £45.5 million to support children and young people across the UK. According to local reporting, the 2025 broadcast generated that substantial total, demonstrating the public's continued commitment to the cause.
What is the scope of Children in Need's work?
Children in Need supports a substantial network of organisations across the country. According to the BBC's 2026 appeal information, the charity supports more than 2,600 projects across the UK, working year-round to help children and young people in need. The organisation funds local charities and initiatives addressing a wide range of issues affecting vulnerable young people.
What other elements feature in this year's broadcast?
Landmarks including Blackpool Tower, the London Eye and Titanic Belfast will be illuminated in yellow for the occasion. The live show will welcome Wyn Evans alongside the hosting team, celebrating his completion of the multi-nation cycling challenge. The broadcast represents the culmination of weeks of preparation and fundraising efforts across the BBC and its celebrity partners.
