BBC's Children in Need raises £35m as nation digs deep despite cost of living crisis

Children in Need 2022 raised more than £35million for charitable causes on Friday night.

The BBC's annual fundraiser boasted a whole host of star-studded segments throughout the special broadcast, as famous faces came together to urge people at home to donate.

As the show closed, it was announced £35,273,167 and counting had been raised as the nation dug deep despite the cost-of-living crisis.

Friday night's efforts follow the 2021 Appeal show raising a whopping £39,389,048 during the charity’s 41st Appeal show, as the Great British public dug deeper during last year's Children in Need campaign.

As Children in Need aired on Friday, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis crippling many across the country, many viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the annual appeal.

Two Pudsey Bear toys sit on a restored chair which was unveiled by The Repair Shop during the live Appeal show (BBC)

Children In Need, in its 42nd year, featured presenters Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott and, for the first time, comedian Jason Manford.

Halfway through the show, Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder revealed the first total as £15,424,340.

He thanked the public for their “generosity” despite the current financial situation.

Scott Mills did a 24-hour fundraiser (PA)

Joe Wicks also completed his Children In Need ultra marathon, raising more than £500,000 for the BBC charity.

Singer-songwriter Mimi Webb kicked off the BBC show with a performance of her song Ghost Of You.

Diversity stormed the stage (PA)

England footballer Mason Mount surprised schoolchildren, who raised money for charity, during their tour around Wembley Stadium along with Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear.

Junior Eurovision Song Contest participant Freya Skye performed on stage for the first time live with the song Lose My Head.

The UK is competing for the first time since 2005 in Junior Eurovision with the 13-year-old Buckinghamshire schoolgirl.

There was a special Repair Shop restoration of a chair (BBC)

Freya was selected to be a contestant by CBBC and BBC Studios Entertainment and Music.

TV presenter Bradley Walsh hosted a children’s takeover of Blankety Blank, with contestants including EastEnders star Maisie Smith and The Great British Bake Off star John Whaite.

Millie Gibson was announced as the new Doctor Who companion during the live Appeal show (BBC)

The BBC Children In Need Choir performed Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.

Former Coronation Street star Millie Gibson was announced as the the new Doctor Who companion during the live Appeal show. Gibson will play Ruby Sunday in the hit BBC show and will be alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will become the 15th Doctor.

The new episodes of Doctor Who will be broadcast in November 2023 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the show.

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