New record bid by Children In Need
CELEBRITIES were out in force yesterday for another night of laughter and tears at the BBC’s Children In Need extravaganza.
The show that last year raised a record £60.7million also served as a showcase for some of the BBC’s best-loved programmes.
Last night’s hosts were Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Tess Daly, Ade Adepitan, Rob Beckett, Marvin and Rochelle Humes.
One of the highlights was a spectacular music medley from Disney film Frozen by the EastEnders cast, to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th Anniversary.
The show kicked off with a performance from the cast of the West End musicals School of Rock and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. In moving scenes The Children’s Choir sang The Greatest Showman hit A Million Dreams in unison with children’s choirs across the nation.
And in a special edition of The One Show, the Rickshaw Challenge riders, comprising presenter Matt Baker and six youngsters, powered towards the finish line in Salford after a difficult eight-day journey from Calais.
Little Mix, Alfie Boe and Sheridan Smith were on hand to spring a surprise on some project workers for Children In Need, whose iconic logo is Pudsey the Bear.
Included was a sketch by axed stars of Strictly – Vick Hope, Katie Piper Dr Ranj and Seann Walsh. And Boyzone took to the floor with some Strictly dancers.
Fans of Call The Midwife were treated to a sneak peek of the Christmas special.
And for those staying up past midnight there was Children In Need Rocks, a concert at Wembley Arena featuring Sir Rod Stewart, George Ezra, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Olly Murs and Rita Ora.
Since first launching in 1980, Children In Need has now raised £950million.