Sir Terry Wogan tributes to be paid in Children in Need appeal

Stars will honour the memory of Sir Terry Wogan tonight in the first Children in Need Appeal Show since his death.

Sir Terry hosted the BBC charity event for 35 years until 2015 when poor health forced him to pull out. He died in January after a battle with cancer.

Tess Daly, Graham Norton, Greg James, Ade Adepitan, Rochelle and Marvin Humes will take up the presenting role in his place.

Eddie Redmayne, who will appear in a sketch recorded on the set of his new film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, described Sir Terry's presenting as "inimitable".

The Oscar-winning actor said: "I have such fond memories of Children in Need - growing up, I loved watching all the special sketches and performances, and, of course, Sir Terry Wogan's inimitable presenting.

"It is a charity very close to my heart so you can only imagine how chuffed I was to be asked to do a special sketch for this year. I can't wait for you all to see what we have in store."

Clare Pizey and Paul Wright, the show's executive producers, said the long-running host's presence will be missed.

In a statement, they said: "This year will feel very different as the great Sir Terry Wogan is no longer with us but we will do our best to honour his memory."

BBC Western House in central London, home to Radio 2, was renamed BBC Wogan House this week in honour of Sir Terry, who first hosted the station's breakfast show in 1972.

The annual charity telethon event, broadcast live, will include pre-recorded sketches and clips along with live music performances and other entertaining segments in order to encourage viewers to part with their cash for a good cause.

Highlights will include a performance by Ricky Gervais in character as David Brent and the EastEnders cast taking part in what has been described as a "breathtaking extravaganza".

Team GB's Helen Glover MBE, Hollie Webb, Joe Clarke and Lutalo Muhammad will take to the dance floor for a Strictly Come Dancing special along with professional dancers from the show Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Pasha Kovalev and Neil Jones.

Sci-fi fans are going to get a glimpse of an exclusive clip from this year's Doctor Who Christmas episode, starring Peter Capaldi as the Time Lord and with an appearance from Matt Lucas.

There will also be a special children's edition of popular panel show Would I Lie To You?, hosted by Rob Brydon and with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack.

Musical performances from Craig David - the artist behind this year's official Children In Need charity single - Little Mix and the West End cast of the Disney Aladdin musical are also on the evening's line-up.

Children In Need aims to protect every child in the UK and currently supports 2,400 projects across the nation.

Since its creation in 1980, the charity has raised over £600 million.

This year's live telethon effort will attempt to raise enough money to beat last year's record-breaking total of just over £37 million donated during the broadcast.

:: The Children In Need Appeal Night will air tonight from 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC Two.