Radio 2 presenter to take on 'greatest ever distance' in Children in Need challenge

BBC Radio 2 host Owain Wyn Evans. He is wearing headphones, a black T-shirt and smiling in front of a microphone

Image caption,

BBC Radio 2 host Owain Wyn Evans will ride through the UK's four nations

ByJames McCarthyBBC Wales

Published50 minutes ago

Radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans will cycle through all four UK nations to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The Welsh host of BBC Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show will travel almost 400 miles, setting off from Glasgow and finishing in Cardiff.

The five-day challenge will start on Monday, 9 November, and finish on Friday, 13 November - when the fundraiser will be broadcast.

The only member of the annual TV fundraiser's hosting team for 2026 to be revealed so far is fellow Welsh presenter, One Show host Alex Jones.

The BBC said Evans' challenge would be the "greatest ever distance" covered in a Radio 2 endeavour for the charity.

Evans, who is originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, said: "When I said yes to this challenge, I knew it would push me well outside my comfort zone.

"It's going to be tough, demanding and probably a little daunting at times, but I'm ready to give it absolutely everything I've got."

One Show host Alex Jones is wearing a yellow T-shirt, a pair of false ears and holding a cuddly toy

Image caption,

Alex Jones is among the presenting team for the BBC's flagship fundraiser

He said fellow BBC presenters Sara Cox, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay had previously achieved "extraordinary things" for Children in Need, adding: "I've got a lot to live up to."

Sports scientist Prof Greg Whyte will be offering support to him throughout the journey.

He previously helped Sara Cox when she jogged, walked and ran 135 miles through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

BBC Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas said: "Thank you to Owain for picking up the Pudsey backpack baton from Sara on behalf of the many thousands of children who will benefit."