Two teams from ITV and BBC are going head to head in a Children In Need special of University Challenge.

The quiz programme, usually hosted by Jeremy Paxman with university students as contestants, will have two celebrity teams competing as they raise money for Children In Need.

Journalist Kirsty Wark will present the show for this one-off special.

The BBC team will have a star-studded cast featuring BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Rick Edwards, Radio 4 Today programme host Mishal Husain, Mock The Week comedian Angela Barnes and Dead Ringers impressionist Jon Culshaw.

Edwards said: “I’ve subjected myself to a University Challenge appearance before and been humiliated, not to mention patronised, by Paxman, but I am a very firm believer in facing your fears.

The Northern Echo: Kirsty Wark will host and Rick Edwards will captain the BBC team (BBC/ ITV/ James Stack)Kirsty Wark will host and Rick Edwards will captain the BBC team (BBC/ ITV/ James Stack)

“Obviously I’m relieved that Kirsty was in the chair this time because she was a bit gentler!”

ITV are putting Loose Women panellist Kaye Adams at the head of its team, alongside her co-star Denise Welch, TV doctor Ranj Singh and comedian Russell Kane.

Adams said: “Being on team ITV and going head to head with the Beeb was surreal but a good laugh.

“Obviously we all know it’s for a brilliant cause, but I would be lying if I said that reined in anyone’s competitive spirit!”

The BBC Children in Need episode of University Challenge will air on November 18 on BBC Two at 10pm.