The British public have dug deep yet again, raising a jaw-dropping £45,507,536 for Children in Need.
Since being established in 1980 the charity – which is focused on supporting disadvantaged children and young people across the country – has raised over £1billion.
Last year’s Appeal Night raised £39.2 million, an increase of over £5 million from the previous year.
On Friday night, the annual event hit our screens again, with the staggering amount of support ending with a total of £45,507,536 raised.
Those efforts were assisted by people including BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, who’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge raised over £9.5million.
When it came time to announce the final result, the responsibility was handed over to new host Paddy McGuinness.
‘Let’s do this everybody! I’ve always wanted to do this,’ he declared.
As the studio audience and those watching on at home eagerly awaited the confirmation – it was revealed the public had raised a huge £45,507,536.
Those in the studio jumped to their feet to celebrate the good news, with the camera then cutting to the amount being shown on screens outside Media City.
Wrapping up the broadcast, his co-host Mel Giedroyc said: ‘What an incredible total. From everybody here, we are so grateful for your support.’
Soon after many rushed to acknowledge the massive achievement.
‘Well what a night!! Every inspirational person who competed in challenges raised exactly £45,507,536 for #ChildrenInNeed. Money raised is going to make a difference in children’s lives. Let’s be there for every child in need,’ Rupinder posted on X.
‘What a great effort this country has done for Children in Need today, £45.5 million raised. We are a generous nation. Just brilliant,’ John shared.
‘#ChildrenInNeed over £45 Million raised. Well done Britain all for a fantastic cause,’ Ryan added.
The broadcast this year was hosted by not only Paddy and Mel, but Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu, with the three-hour programme presenting sketches, performances and several special moments – including introducing viewers to some of the young people who are helped by BBC Children in Need.
One of the sketches included an Apprentice sketch, where Lord Sugar had the tables turned on him and faced a grilling from a tough new set of junior apprentices.
Meanwhile Lenny Rush and Pudsey starred in a sketch of their own – which saw them promoted to the roles of high-flying telly executives, while Gladiators host Bradley Walsh was also given a run for his money by his ‘mini me’.
In an incredibly touching moment, McFly’s Tom Fletcher hit the stage to perform his son Thread of Hope alongside his son Buzz, 11.
Eurovision stars Remember Monday also performed a special cover of Perfect Day with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, while Lewis Capaldi also sung his track The Day That I Die.
Other highlights included Sara speaking about finishing her mammoth marathon challenge, while The One Show’s Challenge Squad included Kat performing a special duet with Sam Ryder, and Eloise throwing herself in to a musical theatre challenge, on skates with the cast of Starlight Express.
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