Veteran broadcaster won't host tonight's show

For the first time in its history, Sir Terry Wogan won’t be hosting Children in Need’s annual TV fundraiser tonight (13 November).

The 77-year-old veteran broadcaster has pulled out for health reasons with a replacement yet to be announced.

He said he would miss the “wonderful, inspiring evening" and would still be watching and donating from home.

One Direction, Dame Helen Mirren, former Doctor Who star David Tennant, Sherlock actor Martin Freeman and singer Ellie Goulding are expected to feature in the show as well as a special Star Wars sketch planned.

Children in Need has become one of the country’s most popular fundraisers with around £800m raised for children and young people across the UK since its launch. Some £32.6m was raised on the night of the broadcast last year.

Tess Daly, Rochelle Humes, Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton were due to co-present the show with Sir Terry.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are so sorry that Terry won't be with us tomorrow night as we know how passionate he is about Children in Need.

"But we wish him a very speedy recovery and know he'll be watching from home and enjoying the show."