BBC One and BBC Studios have announced that Salford will be the new home for the BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief nights from 2021 onwards.
Beginning in November with BBC Children in Need, now in its 41st year, the live show will come from dock10 studios. Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day broadcast will also come from dock10 studios in Salford where the Sport Relief show has broadcast from for several years.
Salford is already home to BBC programmes and radio stations including A Question of Sport, North West Tonight, Dragons’ Den, BBC Radio 5 Live, Football Focus, Match of the Day, BBC Radio Manchester, University Challenge, BBC Breakfast and Blue Peter, with BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day now also making Salford their new permanent production base and broadcast location.
Rachel Ashdown, Commissioning Editor at the BBC says: “This exciting move marks the beginning of a new chapter for these cherished TV landmarks. Plans are already underway for November’s BBC Children in Need Night of TV which will bring the usual array of stars and surprises from its new home as people come together for BBC Children In Need.”
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director BBC Studios Entertainment says: “The fantastic production expertise we have in the North is second to none and it’s exciting to think we’re going to grow this skillset by making Salford the home of these two incredibly important titles. The team there cannot wait to get going and plan for what I know will be two truly memorable nights every year.”
Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive BBC Children in Need says: “We are hugely excited to be bringing the BBC Children in Need Appeal show to Pudsey HQ in Media City, Salford. The past year has left lasting effects on the lives of children and young people facing disadvantage and the 2021 Appeal show will be a chance for us to come together as a nation and demonstrate that we will always be here for the children and young people across the UK that need us most. There will be much laughter, joy and entertainment, but above all, there will an abundance of kindness and hope.”
Samir Patel, Chief Executive of Comic Relief added: “We can’t wait to film from Salford next March. The support we get from the public all around the country but particularly in the North is simply outstanding. To get back in a live studio with a full crew and studio audience at our new ‘home’ will be a treat – roll on next March!”
Jon Creamer
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