The BBC has announced that Salford will be the new home for both Children in Need and Comic Relief events.
These special fundraising telethon events – which are broadcast live on BBC One every year – are two of the biggest nights in the TV calendar, presenting jam-packed evenings of entertainment with line-ups of famous faces coming together to raise money for charities.
BBC Children in Need exists to change the lives of children and young people across the UK and Comic Relief has a vision of a world that’s free from poverty.
From 2021, both shows will be filmed and broadcasted live from MediaCityUK.
We have a new home! 🏠🥳
From this year the BBC Children in Need appeal show will be broadcast live from @dock10 studios at @MediaCityUK.
Our 41st show will be on @BBCOne, Friday 19th November. We already can't wait!
Children in Need, which is now in its 41st year, will shoot in November – with the live show hosted at the biggest multi-camera purpose-built TV studio in the UK, dock10.
Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day will also be beamed from Salford – which is where the Sport Relief show has been broadcast from for several years.
The BBC says the move of these major shows to Salford will enhance its “commitment to the nations and regions” after the broadcaster revealed that it would favour the North over London in “ambitious plans” for its biggest transformation in decades, with more “power and decision-making” brought to the region.
dock10 is the biggest multi-camera purpose built TV studio in the UK / Credit: BBC / MediaCityUK
“We are hugely excited to be bringing the BBC Children in Need Appeal show to Pudsey HQ in Media City,” said Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive BBC Children in Need.
“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.”
Samir Patel – Chief Executive of Comic Relief – added: “We can’t wait to film from Salford next March [as] the support we get from the public all around the country, but particularly in the North, is simply outstanding.
“To get back in a studio with a full crew and studio audience at our new ‘home’ will be a treat.”
Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day appeal show will also be broadcast from Salford from 2022 onwards / Credit: BBC One / Comic Relief
Salford is already home to some of the BBC’s best-known programmes including A Question of Sport, Dragons’ Den, Match of the Day, Blue Peter, University Challenge, BBC Breakfast and North West Tonight.
Children in Need and Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day are the latest to make the city their new permanent production base and broadcast location.
BBC Children in Need will air on 19 November 2021, and the next Comic Relief Red Nose Day will take place on 18 March 2022.
Featured Image – BBC One
TV & Showbiz
Warrington-born Adolescence star Owen Cooper becomes youngest ever male Emmy winner
Emily Sergeant
Owen Cooper has made history.
The Warrington-born actor who burst onto the scene as a newcomer in the Netflix smash-hit drama series Adolescence, starring alongside other big names like Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Ashley Walters, has become the youngest winner ever in any male acting category at last nights Emmy Awards 2025.
He took home the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series.
Youngest Emmy winner ever in any male acting category.
At just 15 years old, Cooper beat out his fellow co-star Ashley Walters for the award, as well as other renowned actors like Javier Bardem, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rob Delaney.
Adolescence, if you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, is a four-part limited series about a 13-year-old boy who is accused of murdering one of his classmates – with each episode remarkably being filmed in one unflinching and continuous shot.
The truly gripping story unfolds in real time as the main characters search for answers in the wake of a shocking tragedy.
Who is actually responsible? Why did it happen? And could it have been prevented?
Adolescence gained universal critical acclaim when it debuted on Netflix earlier this year / Credit: Netflix
Cooper was a complete screen newcomer starring as the young boy Eddie Miller, accused of murder, and the show tells the story of how a family’s world is turned upside because of it.
Taking to the stage to accept his award last night, Cooper – who began taking weekly acting lessons with The Drama Mob here in Manchester – said: “[The win] is just so surreal. Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple years back, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, never mind [at The Emmys].
“So I think tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life.”
Elsewhere on the night, Adolescence cleaned up as a whole.
Co-creator and star of the show, Stephen Graham, took home the Best Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series award, as well as a Writing award alongside co-writer Jack Thorne, while Erin Doherty claimed the Best Supporting Actress accolade in the same category, and director Philip Barantini won the Best Director award.
Featured Image – Television Academy / Emmys (via YouTube)
TV & Showbiz
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month.
The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you.
Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen.
After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor.
The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael WharleyOti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks
Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever.
“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.”
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd July 2021 
