Television: Bear with us

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 14:45

Yes, it's that time of the year again, when must-see entertainment, emotional appeals and the feel-good factor of helping others in need come together for an evening that puts the fun into fundraising.

And it looks like Children in Need 2009 will be one of the most spectacular to date, with a whole range of stars taking part to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Some might say it's insane to hold a big charity event such as Children in Need only five weeks before Christmas Day, especially this year, thanks to the credit crunch.

However, over the years, as a nation we've proven to be a rather kind-hearted and generous bunch, so we'll still be digging deep to make sure the worthy cause receives its much-needed funds.

And, of course, in light of the current economic situation, there will be even more families in desperate need of financial assistance, so every contribution, no matter how small, will really make a big difference.

Last year's BBC Children in Need television broadcast raised 21 million on the night and the appeal eventually topped a whopping 38 million, and we can but hope to raise even more this time around.

David Ramsden, chief executive officer of BBC Children in Need, says: "Every year we are both humbled and inspired by the extraordinary lengths our supporters go to raise money, and we hope this year is no exception. This is why we are asking for your support again in 2009."

Don't worry, though, it's not all about giving up your cash, as there is a cracking line-up of entertainment acts to keep your bum firmly in your seat for the duration of this seven-hour show, broadcast live from BBC Television Centre. Stalwart of the show Sir Terry Wogan is once again back to do his bit, joined by glamorous Strictly Come Dancing duo Tess Daly and Alesha Dixon.

But what are they actually showing this year? Well, taking a quick rundown of the highlights, there's a special treat for Doctor Who fans as they will be showing a sneak preview of the Christmas episode, which will be current Doctor David Tennant's swansong from the series.

Who co-star and Torchwood heart-throb John Barrowman will also appear alongside his Around the World In 80 Days partner Myleene Klass to perform a duet live in the studio.

There will also be a special performance from the stars of Strictly Come Dancing and a unique edition of Lark Rise to Candleford, including a guest appearance from Sir Terry.

The Dragons' Den team will be donning hard hats to help renovate a Children in Need community centre in East London, while the One Show regulars will recreate Fame.

Plus, a huge number of music stars will be performing live from the studio, including Pixie Lott, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Sugababes and Stereophonics.

And all that is just a fraction of what's packed into this spectacular show - it really is not to be missed.

CHILDREN IN NEED 2009 (BBC One, 7pm)

Pick of the day

Axe Men

(Five, 8pm)

This thrilling documentary follows the treacherous work of loggers in the Pacific Northwest.

This week, Jay Browning gives his team a dressing down after a communication breakdown sees them leave work early, costing the company thousands of dollars.

The pressure is on Jay's son, Jesse, to see whether he can pull his crew up to speed. Unfortunately, he suffers a setback after investing $30,000 in electronic clasps for the logs - which then fail to work properly. Can he salvage the situation?

Elsewhere, father and son duo Craig and Gabe Rygaard try to keep up with the speed of Browning's log felling by hiring Brad, an environmental science graduate. By 10am on his first morning, doubts arise over whether he can cope with the intense nature of the work. Also, temperatures rise on the Pihl logging site as supervisor Keith moans that the loggers on the site are not cutting the logs into manageable chunks.

The Unit

(Five USA, 9pm)

This popular action drama follows the movements of a covert team of Special Forces agents as they risk their lives working undercover to put an end to various crimes across the world.

In addition to following their work abroad, The Unit reveals the impact of the wives left at home who need to maintain their husbands' secrets.

In the latest installment, the ninth of 23 in this current series, Jonas is sent undercover when a South American official threatens the US oil supply, and Colonel Ryan is scrutinised by a congressional committee.

The show stars Dennis Haysbert, who has previously played the role of Nelson Mandela in Goodbye Bafana. Robert Patrick, who appeared in the 1991 sci-fi hit Terminator 2: Judgement Day, also stars.

The show, which first hit our screens in 2006, is based on the real life Delta force, a unit in the US Army.