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Children in Need total tops £18m Children in Need total tops £18m
(about 4 hours later)
The BBC's Children in Need telethon has raised more than £18m - beating the amount raised on the night last year by more than £1m.The BBC's Children in Need telethon has raised more than £18m - beating the amount raised on the night last year by more than £1m.
The live seven-hour extravaganza kicked off with a performance from boy band McFly.The live seven-hour extravaganza kicked off with a performance from boy band McFly.
Ex-Coronation Street heartthrob Richard Fleeshman also performed a version of Mr Bow Jangles. Viewers also saw BBC newsreaders pose as James Bond and other characters in a tribute to the 007 films.
The first total of the night was unveiled as more than £3m and through the night it rose to £18.3m.The first total of the night was unveiled as more than £3m and through the night it rose to £18.3m.
Presenters Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton and Natasha Kaplinsky introduced a host of stars trying to beat last year's overall total of £33.2m.Presenters Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton and Natasha Kaplinsky introduced a host of stars trying to beat last year's overall total of £33.2m.
The final figure of how much has been pledged this year will not be known for some time.The final figure of how much has been pledged this year will not be known for some time.
Connie Fisher performs at Children in Need Terry Wogan and Natasha Kaplinsky host the annual event
In the show Connie Fisher, who won BBC One's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, performed a song from the West End production of The Sound of Music.In the show Connie Fisher, who won BBC One's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, performed a song from the West End production of The Sound of Music.
Husband and wife Peter Andre and Jordan, also known as Katie Price, performed The Best Things In Life Are Free.Husband and wife Peter Andre and Jordan, also known as Katie Price, performed The Best Things In Life Are Free.
Emma Bunton gave a rendition of the official BBC Children In Need single, Downtown, while the cast of soap Hollyoaks performed a version of the song Unbelievable.Emma Bunton gave a rendition of the official BBC Children In Need single, Downtown, while the cast of soap Hollyoaks performed a version of the song Unbelievable.
Viewers also saw BBC newsreaders pose as James Bond and other characters in a tribute to the 007 films. Ex-Coronation Street heartthrob Richard Fleeshman also performed a version of Mr Bojangles.
An array of fundraising stunts and events were also held across the UK.An array of fundraising stunts and events were also held across the UK.
In London a live concert, hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, featured Jamiroquai, All Saints, McFly, Keane and Girls Aloud.In London a live concert, hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, featured Jamiroquai, All Saints, McFly, Keane and Girls Aloud.
How to give: Call 0845 733 2233Log on to www.bbc.co.uk/pudseyHow to give: Call 0845 733 2233Log on to www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
The evening also saw the new voice of the BT speaking clock revealed after a competition raising £200,000 for the cause.The evening also saw the new voice of the BT speaking clock revealed after a competition raising £200,000 for the cause.
Sara Mendes da Costa, 40, from Brighton and Hove, was selected from more than 18,000 entrants and will become the fourth voice of the speaking clock since it was established in 1936.Sara Mendes da Costa, 40, from Brighton and Hove, was selected from more than 18,000 entrants and will become the fourth voice of the speaking clock since it was established in 1936.
The Children in Need total was boosted by a record amount of cash pledged by BBC Radio 2 listeners.The Children in Need total was boosted by a record amount of cash pledged by BBC Radio 2 listeners.
They raised £2,174,527 - more than £1m above last year's total of £1,066,000.They raised £2,174,527 - more than £1m above last year's total of £1,066,000.
Singing star Michael Ball made the BBC Radio 2 announcement as he presented a cheque to Sir Terry to loud cheers.Singing star Michael Ball made the BBC Radio 2 announcement as he presented a cheque to Sir Terry to loud cheers.
'Delighted''Delighted'
A further £1m towards the total came in a single donation from the wealthy philanthropist, Sir Tom Hunter.A further £1m towards the total came in a single donation from the wealthy philanthropist, Sir Tom Hunter.
David Ramsden, acting chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: "We are absolutely delighted that people across the UK have been more generous than ever before and we've raised record amounts.David Ramsden, acting chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: "We are absolutely delighted that people across the UK have been more generous than ever before and we've raised record amounts.
"Every penny will be used to make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.""Every penny will be used to make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK."
The night also saw top-ranking apprentices from the BBC show Celebrity Scissorhands pampering the performing stars.The night also saw top-ranking apprentices from the BBC show Celebrity Scissorhands pampering the performing stars.
From 12 November, viewers had been voting for their favourite celebrity cutter, with at least 25p from every vote going to Children in Need.From 12 November, viewers had been voting for their favourite celebrity cutter, with at least 25p from every vote going to Children in Need.
These things lose all credibility when the 'celebrities' involved only do so to get publicity Darren, Cheltenham Send us your commentsThese things lose all credibility when the 'celebrities' involved only do so to get publicity Darren, Cheltenham Send us your comments
In Wales, Ronan Keating, Jamelia and The Feeling appeared at Party for Pudsey in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.In Wales, Ronan Keating, Jamelia and The Feeling appeared at Party for Pudsey in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.
In Scotland, the show was broadcast from the corporation's Glasgow base at Queen Margaret Drive.In Scotland, the show was broadcast from the corporation's Glasgow base at Queen Margaret Drive.
However, activities took place at other centres including a live outside broadcast at the Aberdeen studios in Beechgrove Terrace.However, activities took place at other centres including a live outside broadcast at the Aberdeen studios in Beechgrove Terrace.
And in Northern Ireland cameras went out and about in Omagh, Warrenpoint, Balleek, Armagh and Derry, as well as the main event in Belfast.And in Northern Ireland cameras went out and about in Omagh, Warrenpoint, Balleek, Armagh and Derry, as well as the main event in Belfast.
Long historyLong history
The Children in Need became a registered charity in 1989 with the aim of helping to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.The Children in Need became a registered charity in 1989 with the aim of helping to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
But the first broadcast appeal for children took place in 1927, in the form of a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day.But the first broadcast appeal for children took place in 1927, in the form of a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day.
The biggest total to date was £34,200,000 in 2004.The biggest total to date was £34,200,000 in 2004.