It seems that Children in Need remains an exceptionally effective fundraising event, with yesterday night's broadcast seeing total donations of £39,210,850 on the night.

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This year's on-the-night total marks an uptick from the last, when £33.5 million in donations were given during the broadcast, with more coming in the days.

The annual extravaganza raises money for various Children in Need projects designed to help young people in the UK, with stars often queueing up to get involved in the event.

This year was no exception, with a number of BBC shows and presenters throwing themselves into fundraising efforts – none more so than former Take Me Out and Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness.

The television presenter took on the challenge of a gruelling 300-mile bike ride across five days, taking him from Wrexham to Glasgow, on just a pint-sized Raleigh Chopper.

Though it must have been incredibly challenging, McGuinness appeared jubilant as he crossed the finish line and later learned that he had raised a total of £8.8 million single-handedly for his remarkable feat.

That number made up a sizeable portion of the total funds raised with presenters Mel Giedroyc, Ade Adepitan, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Lenny Rush and Chris Ramsey seen celebrating on stage.

Other stars who appeared at the ever-popular event include Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa, who premiered a teaser from upcoming Christmas special Joy to the World, and animated character Bluey – who performed with the Strictly Come Dancing professionals!

The presenters of Children in Need 2024 celebrate on stage after raising £39 million
Children in Need 2024 BBC/James Stack

Other highlights included Slow Horses actor and general screen legend Gary Oldman reading a Cbeebies Bedtime Story, while Girls Aloud debuted their charity single dedicated to the memory of the late group member Sarah Harding.

The re-release of Stand By You, which first served as a Children in Need single back in 2004, uses only Harding's vocals, which had recently been rediscovered following her passing in 2021 from breast cancer.

Jodie Whittaker's incredible TARDIS from Doctor Who's 2022 New Year's Day special Eve of the Daleks was also auctioned off for the fundraising pot.

Children in Need has raised more than £1 billion for charities and projects for disadvantaged youth since 1980.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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