Pudsey pulled out the stops but total was down on last year

Children in Need returned £10m less on the night than it did last year.

More than £37m had been raised by the end of the programme last Friday (13 November) evening.

This year's show was shorter and had no audience, due to Covid-19.

Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said the event had featured an “abundance of kindness”. 

He said: “We know that children and young people across the UK need our support now more than ever because, sadly, the pandemic has made life even harder for those who were already vulnerable or at risk, but this remarkable total really will go on to help make a difference. 

“Our incredible supporters have shown once again that together, we can change young lives, and that we will always be here for the children and young people across the UK that need us most.”

Joe Wicks completed his 24-hour workout challenge on the day joined by stars including Louis Theroux, Melanie C, Sam Smith and Dame Kelly Holmes as he completed a range of activities, from cycling to yoga, boxing to rowing and his signature high intensity workouts.

Appearing on the live show, Wicks - who was presented with a gold Blue Peter badge - described it as "the longest day and night of my life".

"My body aches, my bum, my feet, everything, but I'm so proud of what we have done," he said.

"We have come together, people have been so kind and generous, and raised so much money through that challenge."

It was announced that his workout marathon had raised £2,108,229 for the charity.