Children in Need 2021: Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald come face-to-face on First Dates

EastEnders and Coronation Street icons are about to butt heads
By Joshua Haigh

The two soap legends from Walford and Weatherfield will collide in a very special sketch for the BBC’s 2021 Children in Need appeal.

Yes, soap fans, Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald will come face-to-face on First Dates.

In the skit, EastEnders’ Janine Butcher (played by Charlie Brooks) turns to Channel 4’s First Dates to help with her love life.

As a result, she comes face to face with Coronation Street’s Steve McDonald. played by Simon Gregson.

children in need eastenders coronation street
Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald come face-to-face on Children In Need (Credit: BBC)

Steve has been married seven times and has terrible luck with women, as viewers know. However, it seems unlikely that a date with fiery Janine will change his luck.

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The pair will be greeted at the restaurant by First Dates favourite Fred Sirieix.

However, viewers will have to wait and see if the pair end up hitting it off.

Janine Butcher and Steve McDonald to collide on Children In Need 2021

Read more: EastEnders next week in all-new pics

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Thankfully for Steve, there are no ledges that Janine can shove him off like poor Barry.

If the just-released pictures from the special are anything to go by, Steve’s in for one hell of a night.

One shows an angry-looking Janine pointing her finger menacingly at the poor unsuspecting bloke.

Meanwhile, the restaurant’s staff are also pictured agog as the soap icons clash.

children in need eastenders coronation street
Janine doesn’t appear to be happy with her date (Credit: BBC)

When is Children in Need 2021 on?

The special episode has been penned by BAFTA Award-winning and EMMY nominated British television writer Daran Little.

It will air as part of the BBC Children in Need appeal show on BBC One from 7pm on Friday November 19.

Meanwhile, it’s set to be a packed night of fun activities for viewers at home.

children in need eastenders coronation street
Fireworks fly in the special episode (Credit: BBC)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who recently had a cameo in neighbours, will also be attempting to dance for 24 hours in a Kitchen Disco Danceathon.

Her online Kitchen Disco sessions became popular for raising people’s spirits during 2020’s lockdown.

Now she’ll be hoping to raise much-needed funds to help Children in Need.

So are you excited about the episode? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.