Children in Need 2026 has raised £38,720,170, the BBC confirmed as Friday night's live appeal broadcast drew to a close. The total was announced on air by presenter Mel Giedroyc at the end of the star-studded show, which featured the Dune cast, a Strictly Come Dancing performance and cameos from Marvel actors.
The annual charity extravaganza returned to television on Friday, 13 November, with presenters including Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West. The broadcast featured a range of well-known personalities taking part in challenges, performances and sketches, after the BBC had promised "dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir".
How much was raised for Children in Need 2026?
As the programme concluded, Mel announced the total sum raised: £38,720,170. Last year's programme raised £45,507,536 on the evening of its 2025 appeal broadcast.
Closing the show, Alex said: "To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you." Sara encouraged viewers: "Keep the donations coming in!" Mel added: "We're so grateful to each and every one of you for your support."
Owain Wyn Evans completes four nations cycling challenge
The figure follows BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans completing his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530. He took part in a five-day cycling journey across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
As he reached the finish line with his bicycle, Shania Chain, Owain remarked: "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 continued: "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 hosting the appeal
Before this year's 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 went on to say: "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.
