NEWS FROM BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

One Direction and Gary Barlow join BBC Children in Need's 'Very Important Pudsey' Collection

BBC Children in Need today announced that superstars One Direction and Gary Barlow have joined the inaugural 'Very Important Pudsey' Collection.  The bespoke collection of ten Bears has been designed by the great and the good from British film, TV and music.

The X Factor judge and the world's biggest boy band join Sir Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Sir Terry Wogan, Dame Shirley Bassey, Brian May, Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley and Dame Helen Mirren who have all redesigned Pudsey in their own unique ways. One Direction and Gary Barlow have chosen to imprint their passions onto their designs.  The 'One Directioner' Bear is based on the band's incredible fans whilst Gary Barlow's suited Bear is inspired by his love of performing and wearing a snappy suit. 

The rest of the Very Important Pudsey 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.

The unique collection is now on auction via bbc.co.uk/pudsey.  Whilst under the hammer, the collection is being exclusively exhibited at St Pancras International until the17th November. 

One Direction said: "As a band we are often asked what the driving force behind us is, and the answer is always the same, our fans.  Our fans are the ones who got us where we are today, and who inspire everything we do, including Bear designs!  So, meet One Directioner Pudsey, please do dig deep and bid on our Bear, it really will go on to make a difference."

Gary Barlow said: "BBC Children in Need is a charity incredibly close to my heart, so I wanted my Pudsey Bear to echo something else that I hold close to my heart, performing. This Bear is a reflection of me in one of my favourite suits performing on stage and I hope he raises lots of money and goes to a happy home."

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."

The list of 'Very Important Pudsey' Bears is as follows:

One Direction – the 'One Directioner' Bear is inspired by their incredible fans.  The Bear features a typical One Directioner outfit of Converse trainers, a One Direction t-shirt and cardigan.  The Bear will also be signed by the band.

Gary Barlow – the suited Bear is inspired by Gary's love of performing and wearing a snappy suit.  The suit includes Gary's signature black skinny tie.

Sir Paul McCartney – the 'Sgt. Pepper' Bear is inspired by the legendary Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The medals and buttons embellished on the jacket are all vintage military.

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 stargazing, 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.

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