BBC fundraiser Children In Need managed to raise a staggering £37 million despite Friday night’s show being filmed without a live audience.
The annual event was hosted by Mel Giedroyc, Alex Scott, Chris Ramsey and Stephen Mangan as it celebrated its 40th year.
This year’s show was shorter than usual and had no studio audience due to Covid-19, but there were still plenty of treats in store for those tuning in at home.
Host Mel told viewers: “Children In Need has been going for an astonishing 40 years and we have only been able to do so because of you.
“Despite the challenges that we have come up against this year, and will continue to face while this pandemic plays out, we are strong because the hearts of the people who keep these projects alive are strong,” she added.
Joe Wicks completed a 24-hour workout challenge to raise money for Children in Need (Image: PA)
The official Children In Need Twitter account later confirmed that over £37 million had been raised for those less fortunate.
“This year has been a challenging one for so many, so we are extremely humbled by your generosity,” the tweet read.
“£37,032,789 is a truly incredible amount of money.
Alex Scott looked lovely in a glam black dress as she hosted this year’s show (Image: PA)
“Together, we can and we will change the lives of children and young people all over the UK #ChildrenInNeed.”
Earlier in the day, Joe Wicks completed a 24-hour workout challenge which raised £2,108,229 for the charity.
He was joined by stars including Louis Theroux, Melanie C, Sam Smith and Dame Kelly Holmes as he completed a range of activities, from cycling to yoga, boxing to rowing and his signature high-intensity workouts.
Appearing on the live show, Joe – who was presented with a gold Blue Peter badge – described it as “the longest day and night of my life”.
“My body aches, my bum, my feet, everything, but I’m so proud of what we have done,” he said.
“We have come together, people have been so kind and generous, and raised so much money through that challenge.”
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles broke down when he was told how much money the show had raised (Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, a special edition of DIY SOS aired on Thursday evening and also raised an amazing amount of money.
Host Nick Knowles became tearful during an appearance on Morning Live on Friday where he was told the total.
“The total for DIY SOS Children in Need this year is £844,044 Nick,” Gethin Jones said, before Nick replied: “That can’t be right.”
“It’s the highest total yet,” Gethin continued, before adding: “Mate, you deserve it, you drive that show.
“I know what you’re like when you see the people around you to get them going, all the builders that get involved, you should be really proud of that Nick.”
With his voice breaking, Nick replied: “Just how amazing are people? You know everyone’s worried about their work, their mortgage, their finances.”
Several big names in music also helped raise more funds by recording a cover of the Oasis hit Stop Crying Your Heart Out.
The charity single features Cher, Kylie, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams, Nile Rodgers, Gregory Porter, Lenny Kravitz, Paloma Faith, Ava Max and Jess Glynne.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
