Children In Need 2022: What time does it start and when will new Doctor Who companion be announced?

BBC Children In Need is set to air tonight (18 November), and will include a treat for Doctor Who fans.

Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa, 30, was confirmed as the new Time Lord earlier this year and is set to take over the Tardis in 2023.

Until now the identity of his companion has been under wraps.

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But the BBC has now revealed that the Doctor’s sidekick will be announced on the fundraising show, which starts at 7pm tonight (18 November).

The highly anticipated announcement of the new companion will be made live from MediaCityUK in Salford during the broadcast.

Jodie Whittaker had played the Doctor since 2018 – becoming the first woman to do so.

She announced last year that she was bowing out and in a recent special viewers were left surprised as her 13th Time Lord regenerated into David Tennant, who previously played the 10th incarnation of the Doctor.

It was then confirmed that Tennant would become the 14th incarnation, with Catherine Tate reprising her role as his former companion Donna Noble for three special episodes which are set to air in November 2023.

Gatwa will then take over as the 15th Doctor, with his first episode due to air over the festive period next year.

Children In Need will also feature exclusive sketches, performances, music, dance and some other big surprises.

This year’s show, which helps to raise money to provide frontline support to children and young people across the UK, will be hosted by Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott MBE and, for the first time, comedian Jason Manford.

Read more: Doctor Who fans thrilled by David Tennant return

Highlights include special episodes of some of the BBC’s most recognisable programmes, including a children’s takeover of Blankety Blank, which will also include Maisie Smith as a celebrity contestant.

And Romesh Ranganathan will host a special edition of The Weakest Link, with a Children In Need twist.

BBC’s Children In Need airs on BBC One and iPlayer tonight from 7pm.

Additional reporting from PA.

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