Children In Need raises a record breaking £32.6m

The BBC’s annual Children In Need Appeal was broadcast live to the nation last night across BBC One and BBC Two from BBC Elstree. The end of night total was a record £32,620,469.

Veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan once again presided over the seven-hour long show with assistance from Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Rochelle Humes and Nick Grimshaw.

“Thank you for all you have done for BBC Children in Need, the money raised this evening is going to enable us to make a real difference to disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.” – Sir Terry Wogan, Children In Need Host and Life President

The telethon featured performances from One Direction, Cheryl, S Club 7, Rixton, Donny Osmond, Susan Boyle, Boyzone, The Script and Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir who performed the official BBC Children in Need single – Wake Me Up.

Stars from the small screen also did their bit for the cause with Tom and Jerry starring alongside some of the BBC’s best loved faces in a one-off cartoon, Bruce Forsyth returning to the Strictly dance floor for a special edition of the show featuring young talented ballroom champions and the cast of EastEnders performing a medley of songs from the musical Grease.

“I’m delighted and proud that Children in Need has raised so much money for disadvantaged children this year. I’d like to thank the Great British public for all their donations, and our staff and stars for their hard work tonight and over the last few months. I know that the money raised will help make a real difference to children’s lives.” – Tony Hall, Director General of the BBC

EastEnders had a strong recurring presence throughout the evening with Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon in the soap, hosting segments from The Queen Vic and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) starring in his own minisode that saw him ‘haunted’ by some faces from the past. The Albert Square stalwart was ‘knocked out’ accidentally in the launderette causing him to drift off into a ‘dream’ in which he was reunited with his troublesome ex-wife Cindy (Michelle Collins), mum Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater) and old friend Pat Butcher (Pam St. Clement). Theatre company Cirque du Soleil also put on a spectacular performance in Albert Square.

The BBC note that the total raised will continue to rise as money from events held up and down the country or scheduled to be held pours in.

“People of the UK should be feeling incredibly proud of what has been achieved this evening. Their remarkable generosity will help us to change a lot of young lives.” – David Ramsden, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need

BBC Radio 2’s fundraising, led by Chris Evans and the amazing Radio 2 Breakfast Team, brought in a staggering £6.1 million.

The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge helped drive the total even higher with £2.3 million raised.

Pictured: Top: Sir Terry Wogan, Children In Need Host and Life President; Middle:  S Club 7 who performed a medley of their greatest hits and Bottom: Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright as Danny and Sandy from Grease.