Tom Fletcher is gearing up for a milestone performance during this year’s Children in Need, and he won’t be stepping onto the stage alone. The McFly star will be joined by his son Buzz for what promises to be one of the evening’s most heartfelt and memorable highlights.

This father-son duet marks the first time Tom and 11-year-old Buzz will perform together publicly on the BBC’s annual appeal night. Tom, 40, has composed an emotional original song for A Thread of Hope, a new 25-minute animated film created especially for the charity event. The story follows Jai, a young boy navigating the grief of losing his father. In addition to the animation, a storybook adaptation has been released, with proceeds donated directly to Children in Need.

Tom with his wife Giovanna (Credit: Cover Images)

On the night of the broadcast, Tom and Buzz will take to the stage to perform the film’s lead track live. Both will share the microphone, delivering a moment the BBC expects to strongly resonate with viewers and underscore the night’s message of community support and compassion.

Ahead of the performance, Buzz expressed just how meaningful the moment is for him:
“I am so excited to be performing alongside my dad for the first time on TV. I have 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 excitement, 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 so incredibly meaningful, especially as it celebrates Pudsey’s 40-year legacy.”
He continued, “Across the UK, children and young people are facing challenges that no one should face alone. Everyone needs a thread of hope, and I hope that through this performance — as well as the animation and book — we can raise vital funds and awareness to ensure children have the support, care, and connection they need when it matters most.”

Tom will duet with their eldest son Buzz on Children in Need (Credit: Cover Images)

Who is Tom Fletcher’s son, Buzz?
Buzz is the eldest child of Tom and his wife, author and presenter Giovanna Fletcher. He has two younger brothers, Buddy and Max. Despite his young age, Buzz is already carving his own path in the arts. Earlier this year, he was cast in the West End production of Starlight Express, taking on the key role of Control in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical.

Tom celebrated his son’s debut on social media, writing:
“This is Control! We’ve been keeping this quiet for a little while, but tonight was race night, and our brilliant Buzz had his debut performance as Control in the incredible Starlight Express. I can’t even begin to describe the overwhelming pride (and nerves!) watching him run out onto that stage, deliver those opening lines, and then give the most amazing performance. It was total magic and a memory for us all that will never be forgotten!”

Buzz also made his first television appearance this year, starring in the September episode of Andy and the Band: Rockstar School on CBeebies — another sign that he is quickly becoming a rising talent in his own right.

Buzz recently made his TV debut in Andy and the Band: Rock School (Credit: BBC)

When is Children in Need 2025?
This year’s Children in Need broadcast airs on Friday, November 14, kicking off with a three-hour live show at 7pm. Viewers can look forward to an Apprentice special, a Gladiators challenge, a performance from Lewis Capaldi, and an exclusive first-look teaser at Celebrity Apprentice. The 2025 appeal will be hosted by a star-studded roster led by Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the night.

Sources: (BBC; The Guardian; Variety; NHS)