TV legend Johnny Ball gets University of Leicester staff, students and local schoolchildren thinking of numbers

The University of Leicester played host to a legend of television last week as Play School and Think of a Number presenter Johnny Ball spoke to staff and local schoolchildren to launch Number Day 2026.

One of the UK’s most iconic science and mathematics communicators, Johnny has spent a lifetime bringing maths and science to life for millions. 

Johnny joined Dr Josh Smalley, University of Leicester chemist and Great British Bake Off finalist, and TV personality and financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo. He brought his unique perspective, filled with warmth, humour, and insight, to the Science Kitchen, a pioneering on-campus kitchen and laboratory at the University of Leicester, to celebrate the 26th edition of the NSPCC’s annual number themed fundraising event – Number Day.

Following speeches from Emmanuel Asuquo and Bruno Reddy OBE, creator of Times Tables Rock Stars, Josh and Johnny performed demonstrations for an audience including schoolchildren from Knighton Mead Primary Academy. They then visited the University’s Special Collections in the David Wilson Library to see a variety of science and maths manuscripts and exercise books, expertly organised by Dr Simon Dixon and Vicky Holmes, as well as meet with the CEO and an honorary librarian of the Mathematical Association. 

To finish the day, Johnny delivered his sold-out ‘Wonders Beyond Numbers’ talk to an audience of over 200 staff and students in the Sir Bob Burgess Building. Johnny drew on his decades of experience to take the audience on a journey through the surprising and often overlooked stories in the history of mathematics, revealing how the inspiration of the past can reshape how we understand mathematics today.

The talk was followed by a book signing and then refreshments - organised by Nicola Junkin and Steph Kyte from the Staff Health and Wellbeing team. As a final touch, staff member Clare Fox shared with Johnny a photo of her father-in-law who served with him in the RAF many years ago but was unable to attend the event in person. 

Johnny Ball, TV legend, maths enthusiast and proud supporter of NSPCC’s Number Day, said: “The launch of Number Day today was absolutely terrific. It was a joy to present in front of the children who were such an engaged and enthusiastic audience. I’m delighted to help raise awareness of the 26th edition of this fantastic initiative.

“What makes this campaign so special is the way it gets children thinking about maths in fresh and exciting ways, while also raising vital funds to support the NSPCC’s vital services.

“I’d encourage every school to take part in next year’s Number Day. It’s a wonderful opportunity for pupils to discover the fun side of maths, and it may even inspire them to see their everyday lessons in a whole new light.”

Dr Josh Smalley, passionate science communicator at the University of Leicester, celebrity baker and supporter of the NSPCC’s Number Day said: “Today has been incredible, and I’m thrilled to have been part of the launch of this fantastic event. It was wonderful to show children just how important maths is – not only in education but in so many aspects of our everyday lives.

“Number Day is such a valuable opportunity to celebrate maths and numeracy, while reminding us of all of the vital role numbers play in shaping our world. The children who took part today really embraced the fun side of maths, and that’s exactly what this initiative is all about.

“Raising awareness of this campaign is essential, and I’d encourage every school to sign up for next February’s Number Day. It’s a brilliant way to engage pupils, spark their curiosity, and help them see maths in a fresh, exciting, and truly enjoyable light.”

Number Day is next taking place on Friday 6 February 2026 and invites children and teachers to explore the fun side of maths through creative activities and games – including the ever-popular ‘Dress up for Digits’, where children dress up in a variety of number themed costumes whether it be dice, calculators, bingo balls or anything else from their imagination.

Last year’s Number Day raised over £300,000, with the money going onto support essential charity services, such as Childline and the Speak out Stay safe programme that is delivered to local schools across the country by volunteers, which help children understand all forms of abuse and know who to turn to for support.

Stephanie Coleman, Senior Fundraiser at the NSPCC, said: “Being from Leicester myself, today’s national launch for Number Day 2026 here, at the University of Leicester, has been particular special and I’d like to give a massive thanks to our stars - Johnny Ball, Dr Josh Smalley and Emmanuel Asuquo for their enthusiasm and support in helping to raise awareness of what we do at the NSPCC. 

“Today’s launch event at Dr Josh Smalley’s Science Kitchen now means schools and nurseries in Leicester, Leicestershire and across the country can now up sign up for the big day in February where children can discover their lifelong relationship with maths, while raising vital funds for NSPCC services such as our Schools Service, while also having fun.”

Schools can get involved with Number Day 2026 by registering online. The NSPCC will then send through all the resources needed to ensure every school’s Number Day is a success.