Children in Need returned on Friday, with the presenters revealing the huge amount raised at the end of the show.
Children in Need aired on Friday night with Alex Jones and Sara Cox among the hosts (Image: BBC)
The BBC has confirmed the total amount raised for Children in Need 2026.
The annual spectacle returned to screens on Friday, 13 November, with hosts including Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West.
The charity event saw an incredible line-up of famous faces taking part in challenges, performances and sketches, with the BBC having earlier teased “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir”.
It has now been confirmed how much was raised, as the live show came to an end.
How much was raised for Children in Need 2026?
As the show came to an end, Mel confirmed the total amount raised for Children in Need: £38,720,170.
Last year’s show raised £45,507,536 on the night of its 2025 appeal show.
“To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you,” Alex said, signing off the show, as Sara urged: “Keep the donations coming in!” Mel added: “We’re so grateful to each and every one of you for your support.”
The total comes after BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans completed his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530.
He took part in a five-day cycle ride through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. As he crossed the finish line with his bike, Shania Chain, Owain said: “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 added: “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.”
Ahead of this year’s Children in Need airing, The One Show host Alex shared: “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.”
**Ensure our latest TV stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. _Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings**
Mel shared: “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 continued: “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.