Poorly Wogan replaced by O’Leary in fundraiser

Dermot O’Leary admitted he had big shoes to fill as he stood in for Irishman

Dermot O’Leary said he had some “big size 11 Irish brogues” to fill as he stepped into Sir Terry Wogan’s shoes to kick-off Children In Need 2015.

Opening the show, Tess Daly said: “Due to ill health, for the first time in 35 years we are without our knight of the realm, our very own Sir Terry Wogan.

“We know you are watching Terry and we are sending you all of our love and of course we’ll try and do you proud.”

She then brought on stage her new co-host, O’Leary, who said: “I’m honoured to be here, thank you. Sir Terry, get well soon. Know you’re my hero and those are big shoes to fill, big size 11 Irish brogues.”

The 77-year-old veteran broadcaster pulled out of the show at the last minute on the advice of doctors following a procedure on his back.

The star-studded night began with a thank you video presented by famous faces from One Direction and Sir Tom Jones to Dame Helen Mirren to thank the public for the £32.6 million donated last year that has helped benefit 500,000 children in the UK across 2,500 Children in Need-sponsored projects.

Ellie Goulding also performed her new single Army, the first time it has been seen on TV.

Bonnie Langford stole the show as the EastEnders cast performed a high-kick-filled routine to songs from the musical Top Hat.

Shane Richie, who plays landlord Alfie Moon, led the action from the Queen Vic to live in the studio where nearly 30 cast members performed to Putting on the Ritz.

Langford, 51, dazzled in a red shortcut dress as she was spun around by her co-stars before leading a tap dance.

Back in the Queen Vic, punters were treated to a teaser of Peter Andre’s swing version of his hit Mysterious Girl.

At the time of going to press the charity night had raised £23,069,187.

Singer Peter Andre and Pudsey.