Sara Cox will present BBC Children in Need’s 2026 Appeal Show alongside Alex Jones.
The Radio 2 presenter was announced as the latest addition to the presenting line up this morning on her Breakfast Show, with further names expected to be revealed throughout the week.
The live show will air on Friday 13 November on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, bringing together presenters and supporters for the charity’s annual fundraising appeal.
Sara has long supported BBC Children in Need, having raised £11.7 million through her Great Northern Marathon Challenge in 2025, which saw her take on an ultra-marathon challenge for Radio 2.
Speaking about her new presenting role, Sara said: “It is a huge honour to be part of the BBC Children in Need presenting team! After completing my Children in Need Ultra Marathon Challenge for Radio 2 last year, I am looking forward to spending the evening in the warmth of a studio!”
She also highlighted the importance of donations to projects supporting children and young people across the UK, including those living with cancer and young carers who take on responsibilities at home.
Sara added: “Your donations make such a huge difference to young lives across the UK! I hope you join us on Friday 13 November, the show is sure to be a great one!”
Alex Jones was announced as the first presenter for this year’s Appeal Show in September, with the BBC expected to reveal more details about the presenting team over the coming days.
The announcement came as Sara welcomed fellow presenter Owain Wyn Evans onto her Breakfast Show to discuss his own fundraising challenge for the charity.
Owain is preparing for his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge, which will see him cycle nearly 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales before reaching the grand finale in central Cardiff on Friday 13 November.
With four weeks remaining before the challenge, Owain admitted he still had work to do on his training, particularly when it came to tackling hills along the route.
He told Sara: “I’ll be honest with you, Sara, I don’t feel ready. I feel okay with the long distance. But, of course, the same with your challenge, Sara, it’s the undulating landscape over which I’ll be travelling, that’s going to be tricky.”
He explained that climbing hills had become a particular focus during his preparation, describing the challenge of pedalling hard while making slow progress uphill.
Owain’s cycle challenge will culminate in Cardiff on the same evening as the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show, bringing another fundraising effort to a close as viewers are encouraged to support projects helping children and young people across the UK.
Photo Credit: BBC