Rylan Clark had no idea what was coming when Pudsey the bear wandered into the studio mid-show and handed him an envelope. Inside was a message confirming Rylan will be presenting Children in Need this November, alongside Sara Cox, with a third name yet to be revealed. "So far it's myself, Sara Cox, and I think there's one more that's been announced," Rylan said, visibly thrilled. He confirmed the big night falls on Friday 13 November.
Listen: Pudsey reveals Children in Need news
Pop Idol favourite Zoe Birkett dropped her own bombshell, confirming exclusively on the show that she'll be playing Dolores Van Cartier in Sister Act in the West End next year, with a formal announcement due on Tuesday including full casting details. Birkett also reminisced about Pop Idol turning 20, revealed she once performed Relight My Fire with Take That at the O2, and discussed a mix-up over facts from Rylan's homemade AI tool, "Ralexa," including the surprising detail that her mum used to sing on Scottish rave tracks with QFX.
Not everything was glowing: Rylan read out a listener complaint accusing him of "self-promotion" and "sicko-fantic nonsense," threatening to switch allegiance to Simon Bates. Rylan brushed it off good-naturedly, joking there were "400 other radio stations" the listener could try instead.
Listen: Rylan responds to listener complaint
In Couch Potatoes, reigning champion Kevin was dramatically dethroned by newcomer Emily after a tense tiebreaker question about the number of Dad's Army episodes, with Emily guessing closer to the real answer of 80.
Elsewhere, Rylan launched his new "Noughties Nightclub" feature, inviting listeners to vote for their favourite throwback bangers, kicking things off with Spiller's Groove Jet.
More from Rylan on Saturday
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