BBC Children in Need has raised £38,720,170 to help improve the lives of children and young people across the UK. The total was announced during the live appeal show, broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm until 10pm on Friday.
Hosts and highlights from the live show
The evening was hosted by Rylan Clark, Sara Cox, Mel Giedroyc, Alex Jones and Tyler West from MediaCityUK in Salford. Alongside performances and guest appearances, the programme highlighted the challenges facing children and young people across the country.
The show opened with Pudsey Bear, who addressed the nation directly for the first time, delivering a message encouraging viewers to support children and young people when they need it most.
Owain Wyn Evans completes 4 Nation's Cycle Challenge
Owain Wyn Evans arrived in the studio after completing his 4 Nation's Cycle Challenge, which began on the Monday of Appeal week. He cycled nearly 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, marking Radio 2's longest-ever BBC Children in Need challenge.
Owain raised £4,760,086, contributing to Radio 2's overall total of £5,087,086, which also included funds from the Radio 2 Gala Performances in aid of BBC Children in Need at the ABBA Voyage.
Strictly tribute and message from the chief executive
Another highlight saw the presenters take part in a special Strictly Come Dancing performance. Sara Cox and Julian Caillon performed a jive to Queen's Crazy Little Thing Called Love in honour of Sara's brother, while Alex Jones and Aljaž Škorjanec danced to Birdy's Wings, dedicated to the BBC Children in Need's Challenge Squad.
Claire Hoyle, Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need, said: "This evening has been a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together. Across the UK, too many children and young people are facing tough times without the support they need.
"Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, more children will have someone by their side when they need it most. That could be a youth worker who keeps showing up, a trusted adult who listens, or a place where they feel safe, supported and able to thrive."
She added: "Every donation represents more than financial support. It is a statement that children matter and that they deserve to be heard, supported and believed in."
Hoyle thanked everyone who donated, fundraised, shared their story or championed BBC Children in Need this year, saying their support will help thousands of children and young people build brighter futures and know that they are not facing life's challenges alone.
