BBC signs up celebs for Around the World challenge

Comics Frank Skinner and Lee Mack are among 12 celebrities who will go Around The World In 80 Days to raise money for this year's BBC Children In Need appeal.

Six pairs of famous faces will re-enact the epic journeys of Phileas Fogg and Michael Palin as they pass on a baton in the ultimate relay race, undertaken non-stop, in real time.

The teams are: (First leg) Frank and Lee, (Second leg) Nick Hewer and Saira Khan, (Third leg) Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker, (Fourth leg) Bill Turnbull and Louise Minchin, (Fifth leg) Myleene Klass and John Barrowman, (Sixth leg) Josie Lawrence and Shane Richie.

In the true spirit of Fogg and Palin's journeys, the celebrities are forbidden to use aeroplanes - but everything from camels to bullet trains are acceptable.

Each celebrity will be raising money for Children In Need as part of the challenge, which includes bringing home curiosities to auction in aid of the charity.

The stars will end their journey at BBC Television Centre on Children In Need night on November 20, 2009, where they will find out how much they have raised.