The history of Pudsey Bear
For more than half a century, BBC Children in Need has been helping children and young people across the UK, raising funds to provide vital support for those struggling with challenges caused by mental health, poverty, social inequality and family-related issues.
Every November, thousands of people across the UK take part in exciting and fun fundraising challenges and events, from walk-a-thons to bake sales, non-uniform days and much more. But at the heart of it all has long been the fluffy, yellow mascot Pudsey Bear, who Children in Need wouldn’t be the same without.
But who is Pudsey and how did he come to be loved by generations? Here at BBC Bitesize, we’ve taken a look back at the history of Pudsey Bear and when Children in Need returns.
When did Children in Need start?
Image source, BBCIt was on Christmas Day in 1927 that the first ever children's BBC radio appeal took place in the form of a five-minute radio broadcast, raising more than £1,300 for four children’s charities in the UK.
But it was in 1980 that the first BBC Children in Need telethon was broadcast.
Presented by Terry Wogan, Sue Lawley and Esther Rantzen, an impressive £1 million was raised in the first show. Since then, an annual live televised show has continued to take place as well as fundraising events across the UK, as BBC Children in Need continues to support charities, organisations and programmes all year round.
Image source, BBCWho is Pudsey Bear?
The famous Pudsey Bear is the official mascot of BBC Children in Need. He was created and named by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, who worked in the BBC’s design department.
Pudsey took his name from Joanna’s hometown in Yorkshire. She previously said: “It was like a lightbulb moment for me. We were bouncing ideas off each other and I latched on to this idea of a teddy bear. I immediately realised there was a huge potential for a mascot beyond the 2D logo.”
Ever since, there hasn’t been Children in Need without Pudsey. Some even refer to the annual event as 'Pudsey Day.'
How old is Pudsey Bear?
Image source, BBCPudsey Bear made his first appearance on BBC Children in Need back in 1985 – and this year celebrates his 41st birthday. But the cuddly mascot looked very different when he was first introduced to us decades ago.
When Pudsey first came to life in 1985, he started out with brown fur and sported a red bandana with black triangles. The following year in 1986, Pudsey got a new look, changing to the yellow fur he is still known for today, while wearing a white and red bandana.
In 2007, the BBC Children in Need logo was updated once again and gave Pudsey a new multicoloured bandana. Today, he is still known and loved for helping others.
Image source, BBCWho is the 'other' Pudsey?
Every year, Pudsey can be found at the heart of all things Children in Need. But since 2009, we’ve also come to know and love Pudsey’s friend and fellow bear, Blush.
The brown bear was first introduced in 2009 and wears a colourful, spotty bow, matching Pudsey’s signature bandana. For over a decade, Blush has helped best friend Pudsey promote the Children in Need fundraising campaign.
How much did Children in Need raise last year?
Since its first major appeal in 1980, Children in Need has raised more than £1 billion for charities and projects across the UK. In 2025, Children in Need raised more than £45.5m for disadvantaged young people.
The live televised show on BBC One was hosted by Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu from MediaCityUK in Salford.
After completing her epic Radio 2 challenge, Sara Cox arrived in the studio as it was revealed she had raised an incredible £9,523,028. The challenge saw her take on a gruelling 135-mile journey – the equivalent of five marathons in five days.
When is Children in Need 2026?
Image source, BBCChildren in Need 2026 returns on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm, Friday 13 November. Alex Jones was the first of this year's presenting team to be revealed for BBC Children in Need’s 2026 Appeal Show, which will be a jam-packed evening of sketches, performances, special moments and more.
And in case you haven't seen it yet - Spice Girl legend Emma Bunton designed this year’s official BBC Children in Need T-shirt, available from George at Asda.
Raising life-changing funds for children and young people across the UK, viewers will also see Pudsey throughout the night, as well as get the opportunity to meet some of the young people who are helped by BBC Children in Need.
There are so many ways you can get involved and make a difference – and have lots of fun along the way!
This article was written in November 2025 and updated in October 2026
Image source, BBC