Its an east end feel for Strictly’s Children in Need offering

EastEnders stars Ricky Champ, Louisa Lytton, Maisie Smith and Rudolph Walker OBE are to take to the Strictly dancefloor for BBC Children in Need 2019.

“I am so excited to be taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing EastEnders special. I’m looking forward to showing the world my moves. Bring it on!” – Ricky Champ

Presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the Strictly special will feature as part of the BBC Children in Need 2019 Appeal Night on BBC One on Friday 15th November. The stars will compete in a group number, choreographed by former Strictly professional Trent Whiddon, in a bid to be crowned champions.

Ricky will be dancing with Luba Mushtuk; Louisa will be dancing with Gorka Marquez; Maisie will take to the floor with Kevin Clifton and Rudolph will be partnered with Nancy Xu. Louisa previously took part in the main Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, making the quarter-final with Vincent Simone. On her return, she said she felt it was ‘a lifetime ago’ since she last appeared on the celeb ballroom dancefloor, however, added she was ‘beyond excited to put my dancing shoes back on’ noting that ‘it’s for a fantastic cause which makes it all the more special’.

The main Children in Need will be broadcast from the BBC’s Elstree studios just a hop, skip and a tango away from the home of Strictly; the Elstree Film and TV studios. The Beeb aim to bring once more a special night full of fun for all ages hosted by Tess Daly, Ade Adepitan, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc and Marvin and Rochelle Humes. Plus, comedian Tom Allen will also be taking on hosting duties this year as he joins the BBC Children In Need presenting line-up for the first time.

With live performances, sketches, music acts, fundraising films and guest appearances from some of the nation’s most loved stars, prepare for an unmissable night of entertainment and fundraising for the whole family.

“I’m flattered to be part of such an iconic show! Strictly has been a family favourite in my house for years. I can’t wait to put my dancing skills to the test!” – Maisie Smith

Also previously announced for this year’s campaign is the BBC Children In Need: Got It Covered entertainment documentary and album of cover songs featuring some of the UK’s biggest and best-loved names from stage and screen. Also taking part in a special one-off project in aid of Pudsey, is presenter Rylan Clark-Neal who has volunteered to sing in a 24-hour karaoke marathon broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 from 9am on Tuesday 12th November.

The BBC’s first broadcast charity appeal took place in 1927, with the Children In Need fundraising airing on radio until 1955 when Christmas appeals aired on BBC TV until 1979. The format was revamped from hour-long specials airing during the festive season into the November aired telethon in 1980, with Terry Wogan, Esther Rantzen and Sue Lawley presenting the first outing. While co-hosts have changed over the decades Wogan hosted the annual event from 1980 until 2014, he made a pre-recorded appearance in the 2015 offering and passed away in January 2016.

“I am thrilled to be taking part in this year’s competition and can’t wait to get started. Although at 80 years old, it’s probably best I don’t try to do the splits!” – Rudolph Walker OBE