BBC Children in Need's 2026 Appeal has raised nearly £40m, with Welsh presenters once again playing a key role in the fundraising effort. The final total of £38.7m was revealed during Friday night's show on BBC One.
The programme, presented by Alex Jones, Rylan, Sara Cox, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West, featured standout performances and special guest appearances while highlighting the challenges facing children and young people across the UK.
Owain Wyn Evans raises millions
The highlight of this year's fundraising was the achievement of Ammanford-born TV and radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans. He raised £4,760,086 through the Four Nations Cycle, a 400-mile journey through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, contributing to Radio 2's overall total of £5,087,086.
Owain, who hosts the early breakfast show on Radio 2, joined BBC colleagues in the studio after completing the challenge on Friday and was speechless when the figure was revealed. The achievement stands as Radio 2's longest-ever BBC Children in Need challenge.
Memorable moments on the night
Friday's coverage included Pudsey Bear finding his voice for only the second time ever, delivering a heartfelt message urging viewers to support children and young people during difficult times.
Welsh TV presenter Gethin Jones took part in the finale of Pudsey's Build-a-Band Challenge, performing Tom Grennan's Little Bit Of Love alongside Michelle Ackerley, Kym Marsh, Mike Sweeney, Iona Bain, Nick Stapleton, Dr Ranj, Wayne Perrey and Yvonne Cobb.
Dance tributes and special surprises
Presenters stepped into their dancing shoes for a special Strictly Come Dancing performance honouring people close to their hearts. Sara Cox and Julian Caillon delivered a jive to Queen's Crazy Little Thing Called Love in tribute to Sara's brother, while Alex Jones and Aljaž Škorjanec danced to Birdy's Wings, dedicated to the BBC Children in Need's Challenge Squad.
Rylan and Amy Dowden performed a salsa to the Spice Girls' Spice Up Your Life, honouring Rylan's mum, Linda. Tyler West and Alexis Warr danced to Always There by Jocelyn Brown, dedicated to Molly Rainford, while Mel Giedroyc and Neil Jones performed The Floral Dance in remembrance of the late Sir Terry Wogan.
Other highlights included two live performances from Texas, while Chris Evans and Letitia Wright arranged a special Avengers surprise for 13-year-old Freddie. As part of Michael McIntyre's Big Show, 12-year-old Tadiwa was surprised with the opportunity to perform before a live audience of 2,000 at the London Palladium.
Chief executive's message
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."
"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. To everyone who has donated, fundraised, shared their story or championed BBC Children in Need this year, thank you. Your support will help thousands of children and young people build brighter futures and know that they are not facing life's challenges alone."
