The event takes place on Friday 16 October, with an array of well-known faces taking part

An annual TV fundraiser is set to provide a much needed financial boost for charities.

The STV Children’s Appeal has announced that its annual TV fundraising event will return for 2020 on Friday 16 October – with Lorraine Kelly back as main host, and an exclusive performance from Scottish rock royalty Biffy Clyro.

The telefundraiser – which airs every autumn to raise money for vulnerable children and young people across Scotland – is celebrating its tenth show this year. Lorraine will be joined by fellow STV stars including Sean Batty, Andrea Brymer and Laura Boyd to present an hour-long programme packed with famous faces, inspirational stories and hilarious surprises.

Along with Biffy Clyro’s rousing performance of new single Space – taken from the Kilmarnock trio’s recent chart-topping ninth album – The STV Children’s Appeal 2020 will also feature a one-off Celebrity Catchphrase special with Strictly winner Kelvin Fletcher, broadcaster Steph McGovern and funnyman Tom Allen all having a go at guessing the familiar phrases alongside host Stephen Mulhern.

Elsewhere, comedian Janey Godley will be making a special appearance, fresh from providing some light relief during lockdown with her popular parodies of Scotland’s coronavirus briefings, while the community heroes up and down the country who have raised thousands for the STV Children’s Appeal this year will be celebrated.

Viewers will also get to see how their generous donations can change the lives of children and young people across Scotland. A series of poignant films will explore the devastating impact of Covid-19 on mental health, food and fuel poverty, and Scotland’s widening digital divide, whilst also highlighting how the STV Children’s Appeal has supported those hit hardest by the pandemic throughout 2020.

Lorraine Kelly, who is also a trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “This is our tenth STV Children’s Appeal show and the generosity of the big-hearted people of Scotland never fails to amaze me. That support is needed now more than ever, as this awful pandemic has made life even more difficult for the one in four children living in poverty across the country.

“The show is a bit different this year as I’m not going to be presenting live from the studio in Glasgow, but I can still promise a must-see night of fun and games, A-list music talent, and heartwarming reminders of the unwavering kindness and generosity of the Scottish people.”

The STV Children’s Appeal 2020 airs on STV at 8.30pm on Friday 16 October, and will be available to watch UK-wide on the STV Player. Viewers can donate £5 to the STV Children’s Appeal by texting FIVE to 70607 (standard network rates apply).