Stars will pay tribute to Sir Terry Wogan in the first Children in Need without the broadcaster

Sir Terry with the Children in Need mascot Pudsey the bear Credit: PA

A special tribute will be made to Sir Terry Wogan in tonight's first Children in Need Appeal Show since the legendary broadcaster's death.

Sir Terry had a special relationship with the BBC charity event, hosting it for 35 years until 2015 when poor health forced him to pull out.

Host Sir Terry Wogan during the BBC Children In Need Appeal 2010 Credit: PA

This year's event is set to be an emotional one with a list of stars marking the first edition of the programme since Wogan's death in January following a short battle with cancer.

Stars paying tribute include Eddie Redmayne who will appear in a sketch recorded on the set of his new film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.

The Oscar winner said: "I have such fond memories of Children in Need - growing up, I loved watching all the special sketches and performances, and, of course, Sir Terry Wogan's inimitable presenting."

Eddie Redmayne will pay tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan Credit: BBC/Guy Levy

Tess Daly, who co-presented the fundraiser with Sir Terry for seven years said everyone would deeply feel his absence on the night.

"I know that we will all miss looking at his lovely face with that ever-present cheeky glint in his eye, him constantly cracking jokes, never taking proceedings too seriously," she told the BBC.

Sir Terry Wogan presenting Children in Need alongside Tess Daly in 2011 Credit: PA

Alex Jones, the One Show presenter who has been heavily involved with fundraising for Children in Need, told ITV's Lorraine that Terry's spirit will 'live on' during tonight's show.

She said "He always used to have a laugh with it.

"It is bizarre, having the first Children In Need without him - but his spirit really does live on, doesn't it?"

Alex Jones talks about Children in Need with Lorraine Credit: ITV/Lorraine

The BBC have vowed to make sure Wogan's legacy is remembered. A nationwide search was recently launched to find the charity's fundraiser of the year.

The award is named the Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year award and will be presented by Terry's son Mark, in a rare public appearance tonight.

Clare Pizey and Paul Wright, the show's executive producers, said in a statement: "This year will feel very different as the great Sir Terry Wogan is no longer with us but we will do our best to honour his memory."

Pudsey the Bear paying tribute to Terry Wogan went viral in January 2016 Credit: Darren Bird / @darrenbirdie

A host of Children in Need presenters and stars paid tribute to the Irish born broadcaster on social media on Monday for Children in Need Rocks for Terry, a fundraising concert held in Sir Terry's honour.

This year's fundraiser will be presented by Tess Daly, Greg James, Graham Norton, Ade Adepitan and presenter couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes.

Performances will include Little Mix and Ricky Gervais, and their will be special editions of Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders as well as a preview of the Doctor Who Christmas episode.

  • The Children In Need Appeal Night will air tonight from 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC Two.