NEWS FROM BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

BBC Children in Need launch the 'Very Important Pudsey' Collection

Eight Bears created by five rock stars, three Dames, two Knights, and an Absolutely Fabulous actress.

BBC Children in Need today launched the inaugural 'Very Important Pudsey' Collection, a bespoke collection of nine Bears designed by the great and the good from British film, TV and music.

Sir Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Sir Terry Wogan, Dame Shirley Bassey, Brian May, Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley and Dame Helen Mirren have all redesigned Pudsey  in their own unique ways. The Collection sees Pudsey recreated in an array of different colours from brown to royal blue, in a range of different materials from velvet to diamante, and in a range of different styles, from an Ab Fab Pudsey to a Leprechaun Pudsey.

Many of the stars chose to reflect some of their most iconic moments through their designs; Sir Paul McCartney designed a Sgt. Pepper Pudsey whilst Dame Helen Mirren has fashioned Pudsey in an infamous red bikini. Others have chosen to imprint their passions onto their designs, with Dame Judi Dench creating a Jockey Pudsey based on her love of horse racing, and Brian May creating an Astronomer Pudsey, based on his passion for Astronomy. The unique creations are being auctioned off at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to raise funds for the Charity whilst being exhibited at St Pancras International from 4^th November until 17th November.

Sir Paul McCartney – the 'Sgt. Pepper' Bear is inspired by the legendary Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Sir Paul helped source the fabrics, ensuring his design was made exactly as he envisaged it. The medals and buttons embellished on the jacket are all vintage military and the WW2 medal is sterling silver.

Coldplay – the Viva La Vida Bear has been made out of fabric from the band's vey own clothes, and was inspired by their 2008 song which is the Bear’s namesake.

Joanna Lumley – the 'Sweetie Darling' Bear is inspired by Joanna’s years spent fondly as Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous.  The 'Sweetie Darling' Bear's tweed suit jacket is made of proper Linton tweed with original vintage Chanel buttons.  The outfit is complete with a Lulu Guinness handbag.

Sir Terry Wogan – Sir Terry Wogan has designed a leprechaun Pudsey. He hopes that he will bring pots of gold and lots of luck for BBC Children in Need this year.

Brian May – Brian’s Astronomy Bear is inspired by Brian's passion for astronomy and his Doctorate in Astrophysics, and comes with its very own telescope, so Pudsey can enjoy star gazing, as his creator intended.

Shirley Bassey – Shirley’s 'Diamond’s are Forever' Bear is coated in 3,500 genuine single Swarovski crystals with a glass bead fabric as the bandana.  The Bear is inspired by her iconic Bond theme tune.

Dame Helen Mirren – the Helen Mirren Pudsey is inspired by Helen’s world famous red bikini and her love of being on holiday.

Dame Judi Dench - Judi’s Jockey Bear is inspired by her beloved racehorse Smokey Oakey.

Joanna Lumley said of her 'Sweetie Darling' Bear: "This project really has been tremendous fun; I loved dreaming up my Pudsey design.  I don't believe it needs much explanation, but my design is a reflection of a character I hold very dear, Patsy! I hope this Bear has just as much fun being Patsy as I did! Please do get bidding and give this adorable Bear a lovely home!"

Dame Shirley Bassey said: “BBC Children in Need is a very special charity doing incredible work for disadvantaged children, so I of course wanted to support them in restyling Pudsey Bear.  Pudsey is an icon, and as such I felt he deserved a bit of sparkle, and just a touch of luxury, after all, he deserves it.”

Director of Marketing and Fundraising at BBC Children in Need, Sarah Monteith says: "We are truly privileged that these national treasures have redesigned Pudsey for this incredible collection.  Their creativity has given each Bear wonderful character and personality, and you can’t help but smile when you see them. We hope the public will get bidding to give these Bears a home and to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK."

For more information on the Very Important Pudsey collection including auction details or to find out more about BBC Children in Need, please visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey