IT'S that time of year again when we dust off our baking utensils for a cake sale, take part in a sponsored walk, dive head first into a bath of baked beans or go to work in fancy dress all in the name of charity.

Yes, Children In Need 2016 is here and on our screens tonight hoping to exceed the £37,100,687 raised in 2015. Since 1980 the charity has raised more than £600 million for disabled children and young people in the UK and has become a household name across the country during that time.

It will also be the first time the show has aired since the sad death of Sir Terry Wogan back in January this year so I'm bracing myself for a record amount of tears during tonight’s live broadcast.

Over the past 13 years I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with Children In Need in various different ways from performing on the live shows hosted by Jackie Bird, chatting on the Radio Scotland’s live specials, to filming out on the streets, following the most incredible people as they go that extra mile to fundraise for such a wonderful cause. In fact, if it wasn’t for Children In Need my guest appearance in Series 6 of Still Game might never have happened. I spent a hilarious few hours in the Children in Need green room laughing and joking with Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan which lead to my invitation into the Clansman for the Charity Bottle Smash with Boaby the Barman and co.

This year however might have just topped everything else I've ever been asked to do for Children In Need.

On Tuesday evening in the City Halls in Glasgow, Pudsey, our adorable cuddly friend, went to the Musicals with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Our host for the evening was the wonderful Jamie MacDougall who also performed alongside myself, West End Star Scott Davies, the gorgeous pupils of Inverkip Primary School and the global megastar herself Susan Boyle who was accompanied by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's musical theatre performers.

Having the opportunity to sing with the orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell was something I’ll never forget especially as I got to sing Let It Go from the Disney musical Frozen.

It’s such a huge powerhouse of a song but to hear it in all of its glory like that was extremely special.

Susan Boyle gave a spine tingling rendition of her signature tune I Dreamed a Dream and at the end the audience was singing and dancing along to a Mary Poppins medley which brought so many childhood memories flooding back.

It was a fabulous night and, don't worry if you didn't make it along, the show will be broadcast tonight on BBC Radio Scotland from 6.30pm.

Whatever you are doing to celebrate Children In Need make sure you dig deep and donate as much as you can and fingers crossed we can surpass last year's total tonight.

Now anyone that knows me will tell you when it comes to Christmas I’m your wummin.

I honestly don't think I've ever met anyone more excited around the festive period than moi.

So you see that’s why I jumped at the chance to get involved in the South Lanarkshire Council’s Christmas lights switch ons all across the area over the next few weeks.

Our first stop is East Kilbride Village on Sunday afternoon with Heart Radio’s Paul Harper hosting the fun and games. I’ll be onstage just after 4pm to sing you a host of Christmas Crackers before the big count down to the main event. Doors open at 2pm so make sure you get down early to avoid disappointment. See you there.

I’m delighted to share my family’s wonderful news with you all.

l Last Thursday, November 10, my sister Laura and her husband Christopher welcomed their little daughter, Cara Louise Casey, into the world. 

She is honestly the most beautiful and precious little bundle you’ve ever laid eyes on and we love her so much already. Thank you for bringing another special light into our lives and for making Sam the happiest big brother ever. 

We love you all so much – welcome to the family, little Cara xxx