The BBC is in a state of chaos and panic  this evening as they desperately scramble to find a replacement for Children in Need stalwart Pudsey Bear, who was sensationally arrested on fraud charges at television centre 25 minutes ago during rehearsals

One onlooker said; “It was mental, 12 officers burst through the door and the next thing we knew Pudsey was on the floor in handcuffs, it was awful.”

BBC bosses are now frantically looking for a replacement for tonight’s show.  A BBC insider said; “We’ve tried Paddington but he’s in Peru and Bungle is too infirm these days. It’s very stressful. Some idiot actually  suggested Super Ted! Super Ted, he’s a cartoon for Christ’s sake”.

More to follow…