BBC and ITV go head to head in University Challenge for Children in Need

Stars from the BBC and ITV will face off in a University Challenge special for BBC Children in Need.

Journalist and broadcaster, Kirsty Wark will host the one-off episode as she’s joined by a host of famous faces from the BBC and ITV, who will compete against each other in separate teams.

Team BBC is led by comedian Dara Ó Briain with celebrity guests Anita Rani, Dane Baptiste and Steve Pemberton.

Team ITV will be helmed by actress Fay Ripley and consists of celebrity guests Charlene White, Iain Stirling and Joel Dommett.

Both are ready to give it their all for BBC Children in Need, but which celebrity team will have the knowledge to finish top of the class?

University Challenge for Children in Need will air on BBC Two on 12 November at 10PM.

Dara Ó Briain, Team BBC Captain, said: “It’s been a dream of mine to be humiliated on University Challenge and now, it’s come true!”

Fay Ripley, Team ITV Captain, added: “To have the chance to take part in this University Challenge for BBC Children in Need Special and to be a Team Captain for ITV is an honour. BBC Children in Need is a renowned charity and University Challenge is a show I have watched and enjoyed for many years so this is a brilliant experience!”

Charlene White said: “I’m not sure there’s a quiz challenge more nerve-wracking than University Challenge! But, I survived to tell the tale, which is the best I can ask for really!”

Iain Stirling said: “Filming was such a joy! Loads of great people coming together for a great cause.”

Joel Dommett said: “It was very surreal to be on the legendary set and great to learn that the teams aren’t actually on top of each other. It’s TV trickery!”

Anita Rani said: “I’m such a huge fan of the show so there was a lot of pressure. I knew we had a very strong team! I was nervous from beginning to end and the nerves got the better of me.”

Dane Baptiste said: “I used to watch University Challenge when I was at university so to be part of the show was a massive milestone professionally as well as being super fun. It was a very, very enjoyable experience I have to say.”

Steve Pemberton said: “I had a great time and met some lovely people, though not having used my brain much over the past few months, I felt a bit rusty.”

Host Kirsty Wark commented: “Hosting University Challenge was the best fun to be had while raising money to give every child who needs it some hope and some care.”

Children In Need’s main telethon will air on Friday, 13 November. Viewers can make donations throughout the show by visiting bbc.co.uk/pudsey.