Pudseys to join Strictly dancers

Pudsey meet Pudsey - Children in Need's bandaged bear will team up with his dancing dog namesake for the charity show.

Viewers will see the show's mascot perform a dance routine with the Britain's Got Talent winner on the BBC appeal next month.

Former Strictly Come Dancing stars Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant will also return to the dance floor to team up with their partners Anton Du Beke and Flavia Cacace.

Grant said: "Thrilled to be back on Children in Need as I was in the first one ever. And to be dancing with Flavia once more is a Strictly dream come true. A fantastic cause doing something I love. Everyone's a winner."

But there will no dancing this year for newsreaders Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth and Bill Turnbull who pit their driving skills against each other in a special edition of Top Gear's star in a reasonably priced car.

The show, broadcast live from Television Centre, will be hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.

Sir Terry said: "Children in Need as ever is graced by the presence of lovely ladies Tess and Fearne, and this year I'll be delighted to welcome Radio 1's morning star, Nick Grimshaw, to prop me up as the Friday appeal stretches into Saturday, and we head for what we hope will be another record-breaking total for the people's charity. Every year of Children in Need is a shining tribute to the extraordinary generosity of the British people."

The long-running appeal will also include a special prequel to the Doctor Who Christmas special and will open with a performance by One Direction.

Among the films shown on the night will be one on bullying introduced by Cotton, who complained she was bullied online after her appearance in the BBC's diamond jubilee coverage.

Executive producer Clare Pizey, said this year's show was "bigger and more ambitious than ever".