In a stunning display of generosity, the British public has once again rallied for a vital cause, raising an incredible £45,507,536 for BBC Children in Need. The monumental total was revealed during the charity's annual Appeal Night broadcast on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking a new high for the beloved institution.
A Night of Celebration and Generosity
The three-hour television extravaganza, which lit up screens across the nation, was hosted by a dynamic presenting team including Paddy McGuinness and Mel Giedroyc, alongside Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Lenny Rush, and Big Zuu. The evening was packed with heartfelt sketches, musical performances, and moving stories from some of the young people whose lives have been changed by the charity's work.
The climax of the night arrived when Paddy McGuinness, a new host for the event, stepped forward to announce the final figure. 'Let's do this everybody! I've always wanted to do this,' he declared with palpable excitement. As the studio audience and millions watching at home held their breath, the total of £45,507,536 was unveiled, triggering an eruption of cheers and applause.
Standout Moments and Massive Contributions
Among the many highlights was the extraordinary achievement of BBC Radio 2's Sara Cox. Her gruelling Great Northern Marathon Challenge alone contributed a massive £9,523,028 to the overall total, showcasing the power of dedicated fundraising efforts.
The entertainment was as diverse as it was memorable. Viewers were treated to a hilarious Apprentice sketch where Lord Sugar found himself being grilled by a panel of sharp-witted junior apprentices. In another segment, young star Lenny Rush and the beloved Pudsey Bear were promoted to high-flying television executives, while Gladiators host Bradley Walsh met his match in a 'mini me' version of himself.
Music also played a central role, with touching performances from McFly's Tom Fletcher, who shared the stage with his 11-year-old son Buzz for a performance of Thread of Hope. Eurovision stars Remember Monday delivered a special cover of Perfect Day with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and the beloved Lewis Capaldi performed his track The Day That I Die.
A Legacy of Supporting Young People
This record-breaking sum represents a significant increase from the £39.2 million raised during the 2024 appeal and continues the incredible legacy of an organisation established in 1980. To date, BBC Children in Need has raised over £1 billion to support disadvantaged children and young people across the United Kingdom.
As the broadcast drew to a close, co-host Mel Giedroyc captured the mood of the nation, stating: 'What an incredible total. From everybody here, we are so grateful for your support.' The final shot, showing the monumental figure displayed on screens outside Media City, served as a powerful testament to the UK's unwavering commitment to its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
