BBC Children In Need is returning for another year and Pudsey bear is set to be the face of the charity yet again.
The bear has become an icon over the years, but how did Pudsey become the mascot?
Why did Pudsey Bear become the Children In Need mascot?
In 1985, Joanna Lane was working in the BBC's design department, where she was asked to revamp the Children In Need logo and this is how the idea of Pudsey came to light.
Speaking to the BBC about how she thought of the idea, Joanna said: "It was like a light bulb moment for me.
"We were bouncing ideas off each other and I latched on to this idea of a teddy bear.
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"I immediately realised there was a huge potential for a mascot beyond the 2D logo.
"It was very important to me that whatever we came up with was something that young children could relate to."
How did Pudsey get his name?
After explaining her idea of creating a unique teddy as a mascot of Children In Need to the production team, Joanna realised she'd have to name the bear too.
She went back to her roots and chose to go with the name of the town of Pudsey in West Yorkshire.
Talking about her decision she said: "I went to the production team and said, 'we need to name it'. So they turned around and said 'if you think it's important to name him, you do it'.
"It came from the heart - I looked to my own experience and named him in honour of my hometown and my grandparents."
In 2019, a female bear - Blush - was created as a friend for Pudsey.
She has appeared alongside Pudsey on merchandise over the last few years.
Where can you buy Children in Need merchandise?
For your own Pudsey Bear gear, head to the official BBC Children in Need shop.
A percentage is displayed on each item indicating how much will go to Children In Need.
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You can buy ears, official T-shirts, face masks, pin badges and a travel cup.
You can, of course, also get hold of your own toy Pudsey bear, as well as cuddly versions of Pudsey's friend, Blush.
Pudsey clothes and other Children In Need gear is also available at George Asda, where at least 20 per cent of the product's price will benefit Children in Need.
When is Children In Need on?
The Children In Need telethon will be on Friday, 17 November, 2023.
It will be available to watch on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer at 7pm.
The show will be on for three hours and will see a whole host of celebs joining to help out with fundraising.
Those hosting the show will include Jason Manford, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey, Lenny Rush and Alex Scott.
