Tom Fletcher and his 11-year-old son Buzz are set to take the stage during tonight’s Children in Need broadcast — and fans are already reaching for the tissues.

The father–son duo will perform A Thread of Hope, marking their first-ever televised duet during the BBC’s annual charity appeal show. The heartfelt ballad was written by McFly star Tom, who also crafted the accompanying story for a brand-new BBC animated short.

The 25-minute animation follows Jai, a young boy navigating the emotional aftermath of losing his father — a theme that has already resonated with early listeners and viewers. The story will also be released as a storybook, with all proceeds donated to Children in Need. According to BBC News, the animation is part of the broadcaster’s ongoing effort to highlight children’s mental health challenges through accessible storytelling (BBC News).

Tonight, millions will watch as Tom and Buzz deliver the film’s lead song live on BBC One, but many fans who’ve already heard the track say it moved them to tears.

Fans react: “Beautiful… I’m wiping tears away”

The duet, which has already aired on BBC Radio 2 and appeared on BBC Sounds, has triggered an emotional response online.

One fan commented on Tom’s Instagram:
“Such a beautiful song. Wiping the tears away while getting my kids ready for school!”

Another wrote:
“Just heard it before the school run. So lovely — Buzz smashed those vocals.”

A third simply left a crying emoji, adding: “Such a beautiful song.”

A Thread of Hope can be streamed now on BBC Sounds, with the studio version expected to gain additional traction as Children in Need nears its broadcast night. According to The Guardian, the BBC’s charity singles often see a surge in downloads and streams following high-profile live performances (The Guardian).

Buzz Fletcher: “I feel so proud”

For 11-year-old Buzz, tonight marks a major milestone.

“I am so excited to be performing alongside my dad for the first time on TV,” he shared. “I’ve seen how incredibly hard my dad has worked on the animation and book, so I feel really proud to be standing beside him for such a brilliant cause.”

Tom echoed his son’s enthusiasm, adding:
“When I was invited to perform a song from the animation with my son for the very first time, I knew it was a truly special opportunity. Sharing that moment together will be incredibly meaningful, especially as it celebrates Pudsey’s 40-year legacy.”

He continued:
“Across the UK, children and young people are facing challenges no one should face alone. Everyone needs a thread of hope, and I hope our performance — along with the animation and book — will help raise vital funds and awareness so children get the support they need when it matters most.”

Who is Buzz Fletcher?

Buzz is the eldest child of Tom and author–presenter Giovanna Fletcher. He has two younger brothers, Buddy and Max. Despite still being in school, Buzz is already making a name for himself in the performing arts.

Earlier this year, he was cast in the iconic West End production of Starlight Express — playing the role of Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s high-energy musical. The West End run marks Buzz’s stage debut, and reviews have praised his confidence and natural stage presence (Evening Standard).

Tom expressed his pride in an Instagram post following Buzz’s first performance:
“This is Control! We’ve been keeping this quiet, but tonight was race night, and our brilliant Buzz had his debut performance. I can’t even begin to describe the overwhelming pride watching him run on stage and deliver those opening lines. It was total magic.”

Buzz also filmed his first television role this year, appearing in the CBeebies series Andy and the Band: Rockstar School.

Children in Need 2025: What to expect

This year’s Children in Need airs Friday, November 14, kicking off at 7pm on BBC One with a three-hour live broadcast.

The 2025 show features:

• A special edition of The Apprentice

• A Gladiators celebrity challenge

• A live performance from Lewis Capaldi, marking one of his anticipated TV appearances since returning to music (Rolling Stone UK)

• A first-look teaser at the new Celebrity Apprentice

The programme will be fronted by a lineup of familiar BBC stars, led by Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, who are returning to host and expected to bring humour, warmth and high energy throughout the night.

Children in Need remains one of the UK’s biggest charity broadcasts. Last year’s show raised more than £33 million by the end of the live programme alone (BBC News), and the BBC has expressed hope that this year’s anniversary edition will inspire even greater support.