- STV’s annual fundraising takeover returns on Friday 10 November
- Lorraine Kelly and Sean Batty set to host main show, preceded by a special documentary fronted by Jean Johansson
- This year’s event features an exclusive performance by Tom Walker, surprise appearance from Max Verstappen, and inspiring charity stories from across the country
Our STV Children’s Appeal Show is set to return on Friday 10 November, with STV’s Sean Batty joining long-term host, telly icon Lorraine Kelly, to front this year’s special programme.
Across a warm and inspiring hour-long show, Lorraine and Sean will celebrate another year of incredible fundraising efforts from ambassadors, community heroes, and businesses such as Lidl, Tunnock’s and Beatson’s Building Supplies. The pair will also share important stories of the charities who work tirelessly to help children and families affected by poverty in Scotland.
The programme will broadcast from a custom-built studio at Glasgow charity Refuweegee’s city centre headquarters. The charity’s slogan – “we’re all fae somewhere” – reflects its mission to ensure that families who have been forced to flee their homes arrive in Scotland to a warm welcome, and it has been supported in its efforts by funding from the STV Children’s Appeal.
Lorraine Kelly said: “It’s such a pleasure to be back hosting the STV Children’s Appeal Show 2023 from the wonderful Refuweegee – even if I may be slightly windswept from rolling through the streets of Glasgow on an open-top bus with Sean to gather our supporters and audience members along the way!
“As well as some big surprises on the night, viewers can also expect to be as inspired as we are by the charities and fundraisers that have done such amazing work this year. They’re all absolute gems and, as always, I’m delighted to get to know them.”
Every penny raised by the STV Children’s Appeal on the night will remain in Scotland and 100% of donations will be spent on the young people and families who need it most. Administration costs are covered by STV and by a portion of The Wood Foundation’s donation to the Appeal. The Wood Foundation has partnered with the Appeal since 2013.
There will be appearances in the programme from a number of familiar faces including F1 champion Max Verstappen, First Minister Humza Yousaf – who has pledged continued support for the Appeal from the Scottish Government – and North Lanarkshire-born singer-songwriter Tom Walker, who will close the show with a world-exclusive first performance of his new single, Freaking Out.
Tom said: “I’m really pleased to be a part of the Appeal show this year and to be playing a small part in helping all the amazing children’s charities that STV supports. To perform at Refuweegee and be able to see the work they do first-hand brings home the importance of the donations everyone makes to the Appeal.
“And of course, it’s always lovely to see my pal Lorraine for a wee chat. I hope everyone enjoys the show – I’m really proud to be involved.”
As well as co-hosting, Sean Batty will also be joined by STV presenter colleague Laura Boyd to give Lorraine and viewers the lowdown on the pair’s 2023 fundraising challenge, which sees them having to make it all the way round the Isle of Arran – by any means necessary – all in time for the last ferry home! The pair will have to walk, cycle, horse-ride, kayak and even abseil, despite being terrified of heights…
Sean said: “I can confidently say that I prefer the warmth of the studio in Refuweegee to the 17-mile cycles and petrifying abseil on Arran, but I’m delighted to support the STV Children’s Appeal, a charity that is so close to my heart, in any way I can.
“We hope viewers are encouraged by what they see on the show and continue their fantastic – and massively appreciated – support for the Appeal, so that more children and families facing barriers can gain access to the services they desperately need.”
Ahead of the main STV Children’s Appeal show at 9pm on Friday 10 November, a one-off documentary at 7pm will see presenter Jean Johansson explore how grassroot sport has the power to transform the lives of young Scots.
In Scotland’s Stories: A Sporting Chance, Jean visits sports charities supported by the Appeal, including Andy Robertson’s AR26 and The Russell Anderson Foundation, which are all committed to breaking down barriers and giving children the chance to grow and thrive through sport.
Jean said: “I’ve been both humbled and privileged to spend time with charities that are truly making a difference to children’s lives through sport. Travelling up and down the country, I saw first-hand how sport has the power to transform, and I’m in awe of the great work going on from Inverclyde to Aberdeen.”
Watch Scotland’s Stories: A Sporting Chance at 7pm and the STV Children’s Children’s Appeal Show at 9pm on Friday 10th November on STV and STV Player.
