The BBC has confirmed that Children in Need 2026 raised £38,720,170, with the total announced live as Friday night's appeal show came to an end.
The annual event returned to screens on 13 November, hosted by Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West. The broadcast featured challenges, performances and sketches from a line-up of well-known faces, following the BBC's earlier tease of "dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir".
Total announced at end of show
Mel Giedroyc confirmed the final figure of £38,720,170 as the live programme drew to a close. Last year's appeal show raised £45,507,536 on the night of its 2025 broadcast.
Signing off, Alex said: "To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you." Sara urged viewers to "keep the donations coming in", while Mel added: "We're so grateful to each and every one of you for your support."
Owain Wyn Evans completes cycling challenge
The total followed BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans finishing his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530. He completed a five-day cycle ride through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
Crossing the finish line with his bike, Shania, he said: "Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can't believe that I'm here with this welcome and the sun's out!" He added: "Just reflecting on what it's been like. We're doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need. There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations."
Presenters on the big night
Ahead of the broadcast, Alex said: "It means the absolute world to be part of the team for the big night of Children in Need, I have watched it avidly since I was a little girl and Sir Terry Wogan was at the helm. It was always one of the big highlights of the year. And more recently for me, The One Show has always been very much at the heart of Children in Need, as we will be again this year with our Challenge Squad, so it feels amazing to be there with Pudsey on his big night."
Mel said: "Being part of Children in Need every year, as I have been for the last 10 years as presenter, which I'm so honoured and privileged to do, is everything to me. It's a red-letter day, and one of the most life affirming and important for me in my calendar." Rylan added: "It's amazing to be part of Children in Need's appeal show, obviously it's something that I have grown up watching and loved and have been involved in in the past, so to be asked to host this year is a real honour." He continued: "Children in Need matters because unfortunately, the title still stands - there are a lot of children that are still in need and we need to do our bit to make sure no child goes without the love and care that they deserve."
Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
