Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are joining forces to give British television presenter Rylan Clark an unexpected experience in a special segment for this year’s BBC Children in Need fundraising programme.
The Oscar-nominated Chalamet will be at the centre of the prank, which will see Clark caught off guard during what appears to be a normal interview with the cast of the upcoming third instalment of the Dune film franchise.
The set-up, described as similar to the comedy show Impractical Jokers, will involve children secretly directing Chalamet behind the scenes, leaving Clark increasingly uncomfortable and confused as the interview takes an unusual turn.
Other cast members expected to feature in the interview include Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy.
The charity broadcast, scheduled for Friday, November 13, will also showcase several fundraising challenges undertaken by celebrities and young people across the United Kingdom.
Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans is among those taking part, having completed a demanding cycling challenge. He will be joined during the final leg of his journey in Wales by 22-year-old Harri, who continues to experience the long-term effects of a brain tumour.
The programme will also highlight four young people participating in The One Show’s Challenge Squad. They include 16-year-old Zoe, who has Down’s syndrome and will perform with the cast of High School Musical, and Ana, who is taking on a three-day kayaking challenge despite living with a rare physical condition.
Another participant, 22-year-old Serena, will deliver a live performance in memory of her late brother and a childhood friend.
This year’s campaign carries the theme ‘Challenge Yourself 2026’, encouraging people to take on personal challenges while raising funds to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
Several celebrities, including Joe Wicks and Emma Bunton, have also supported the fundraising campaign. Meanwhile, famous landmarks such as Blackpool Tower, the London Eye and Titanic Belfast will be illuminated in yellow to mark the occasion.
Children in Need supports more than 1,600 charities and community projects across the UK. Last year’s fundraising appeal generated over £45 million.
The three-hour live programme will be presented from Salford by Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan Clark, Sara Cox and Tyler West. It will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer between 7pm and 10pm GMT on Friday.
