The One Show challenges teen to perform with cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express for BBC Children in Need 2025
As revealed by Andrew Lloyd Webber on The One Show, a teen from East Ayrshire will take to the stage for a high-speed performance with the cast of Starlight Express for the BBC Children in Need 2025 Appeal Night.
17-year-old Eloise is a member of The One Show’s Challenge Squad: four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding and are now taking on incredible challenges to help make a difference to young lives.
A young carer for her sister, Eloise has been supported by East Ayrshire Young Carers since the age of nine. With both parents facing complex health conditions, Eloise plays a vital role in her family and now she’s stepping into the spotlight to shine.
Last year, millions tuned into BBC One for the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show. Eloise will be donning her roller skates to spend the next few weeks rehearsing with the cast of Starlight Express before the Appeal night on Friday 14 November.
On being a part of the Challenge Squad, Eloise said: “Performing with the Starlight Express cast for BBC Children in Need is going to be incredible! I’ve already started practising, met the amazing cast and even had the chance to get my skates on. BBC Children in Need has made a real difference in my life by helping to fund East Ayrshire Young Carers, so I wanted to take on this challenge to give back and help other young people. I’m going to give it my absolute best!”
Alex Jones, who is mentoring Eloise ahead of her challenge, said: "It’s a joy to be back with the Challenge Squad this year. These young people are truly remarkable - full of courage and determination. I’m so proud to be working with them and helping to share their stories with the nation. The challenges they’re taking on are no small feat, but we know they’ll each give it everything they’ve got."
Starlight Express are joining this year’s fundraising effort by making a donation to BBC Children in Need. A portion of Starlight Express ticket sales from Wednesday 5th to Sunday 16th November will go to BBC Children in Need whilst audiences will also have the opportunity to contribute through bucket collections held during these performances – all to help make a difference to young lives when it is needed most.
Michael Harrison, producer of Starlight Express for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, said: “I am thrilled that Starlight Express has the opportunity to support BBC Children in Need this year. Andrew originally created the show so that his own children could enjoy the magic of live theatre, and over the last two years we have seen so many families and young children visit the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley for their own first experience of a musical. It feels especially fitting that, through this partnership, the show will now help to create more opportunities for young people across the UK.”
Seen by over 30 million people across the world, Starlight Express is a true theatrical event, fully immersing audiences of all ages inside a world of speed, song and storytelling, as the incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express.
The One Show, made by BBC Studios Entertainment, is on weekdays at 7pm on BBC One.
The BBC Children in Need 2025 Appeal Show is on BBC One on Friday 14 November.
To donate please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
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