The series "Children in Need" cannot be positioned as a regular entertainment television product, if only because its creators did not pursue mercantile goals, they were engaged in charity work. The annual telethon was broadcast by BBC, the collected funds were invariably transferred to children with disabilities, children from dysfunctional families and needy youth of Great Britain. The unchanging mascot of the action is the Pudsey bear, and one of the initiators and founders is Sir Terry Vaughan. In the British media culture, Children in Need is considered one of the most important annual events.
History of occurrence
Since the first broadcast of the charity event, which took place in 1927, many celebrities took part in the marathon: political figures, radio and television presenters, and actors. The series "Children in Need" originally existed in a radio broadcast for Christmas, after which television was also involved. The British puppeteer, TV presenter and director Harry Corbett and his puppet hero Bear Pudsey appeared on the screens. The airs with their participation were broadcast on radio and television until 1979. After the lead, Michael Terence Vaughan picked up the baton. Actors of the series "Children in Need" appeared on the screen in the images of famous cartoon characters: Peter Pan, Tom and Jerry and many others.
In a new format
In 1980, "Children in Need" left the radio and firmly established themselves on TV in a new format. Now it was a series of short episodes linking evening programs instead of commercials. The marathon raised money for charitable organizations involved in supporting children from dysfunctional families. The new format was developed and implemented by T. Vaughan, S. Lawley and E. Rantsen. The innovation paid off, there was a sharp increase in the number of charitable donations. Since 1980, the format of the marathon has undergone significant changes, the duration of its episodes has increased, and the time interval between them has been reduced. As a result, since 1984, the show "Children in Need" has become a single continuous program. Vogan continued to participate in the marathon until 2014, at his invitation, the actors who were considered the most successful in the UK attended the series "Children in Need".
Personal contribution
The permanent host of the show "Children in Need" Michael Terence Vaughan, a native of Ireland, with dual citizenship, was one of the greatest radio and television presenters of our time. In 2016, after a short but courageous fight against cancer, he died. The Terry family established the Sir Terence Vaughan Fundraiser of the Year Award, which has been awarded since 2016 to those who have done everything possible to raise money for needy children. The late son of Terry Mark, along with his brother-in-law's associate Joanna Lumley, in 2017 presented the award to Ellie and Abby Holloway.
Active members
Among the regular participants in the series "Children in Need" are actors Joanna Lamond Lumley and Ferney Cotton.
British actress and fashion model Joanna Lamond Lumley began her creative career on television in the late 50s of the last century. The debut appearance of the actress on the big screen is the image of the Bond girl in the episode "At the Secret Service of Her Majesty." After that, the actress starred mainly on television. In the early 80's, she took part in the films “The Panther of the Pink Panther” and “The Curse of the Pink Panther”. The performer brought huge popularity to the role in the television series "One by One". For participating in the show, Joanna Lumley was twice awarded the BAFTA.
British television and radio host Ferney Cotton began her creative career at a young age. The girl began working on the radio, and later on TV, at the age of less than seventeen and still does not lose popularity. Cotton is very much in demand. Ferney has recently created her own clothing line, which she sells through an online retailer, Very.co.uk. Throughout her career, the girl supports the work of several charitable organizations, including the brainchild of Vaughan.
Also, at different times, actors Sue Cook (“On the Edge of the Dark”), Shane Ritchie (“Skimmers”), Sophie Roort (“The Bodyguard”), Kevan Allen (“America is Looking for Talent”) took part in the creation of the series “Children in Need” .
In addition to the acting reprise, the marathon includes performances of many musical groups and singers, which for six hours alternate with sketches of famous comedians, magicians' shows and numbers of conversational artists.