Hurrah for Fiona Bruce. And all the many female celebrities who are daring to go bare-faced in aid of BBC Children in Need on Friday.  In an industry which is obsessed with camera-ready perfection, to make this kind of statement is quite something:  others involved are Michelle Dockery, Vanessas Feltz, Louise Redknapp, Jodie Kidd, Abbey Clancey, Kimberley Walsh and our old friend Jo Wood (who's never knowingly been seen without her rock-chick eyeliner before now!)

In fact, this Friday - 8th November - BBC Children in Need would like all of us to Go BearFaced.  In other words, ditch the make-up for - yes - one whole day.  They suggest that we all get together with family and friends to make a BearFaced statement, too, and raise money through sponsorship.  (For the sponsorship page with full details to go www.mydonate.bt.com/events/gobearfaced).

What's more, from 1st - 9th November (all the rest of this week, in other words), Boots will be donating 5p from every £1 spent on No7 skincare products to the charity, too.  Currently, this fantastic charity supports 2,700 projects working with children who face deprivation, poverty, who've been victims of abuse or are disabled.

How will people know that you didn't just fall out of bed or leave your make-up kit somewhere? There are 'Pawprints' (as seen on Fiona's cheek) available at Post Offices throughout the country, priced £1 per pack (with all proceeds - less the VATman's greedy 20% - going to the charity).  Stick one of those on, and make your own bold bare-faced statement.

We've never quite got our heads round the allure of Pudsey the bear, frankly.  But a make-up-free Fiona Bruce?  We'll be doing our bit to support her, and the other BearFaced beauties.

And paws for reflection, while we're at it...

Credit:  Get ready to go BearFaced with No7 (Rankin)