Children in Need raises 'record-breaking' £37m

Updated

Children in Need has broken its own fundraising record after an evening of entertainment across the BBC.

More than £37 million has been raised so far, overtaking 2014's total of £32.6 million. BBC Children in Need tweeted that the total raised was a "record-breaker".

The telethon continued late into the night with performances by Selena Gomez and Years and Years, as well as a special appeal by singer Sir Tom Jones.

Dermot O'Leary, who stepped in at the last minute to replace veteran presenter Sir Terry Wogan to host the first part of the evening, was roundly praised on Twitter for his hosting duties.

O'Leary said: "It's been an absolute blast. Thank you so, so much. To Terry, I hope you're feeling better, I hope we get to enjoy a drop of the pure very soon and we're all doing you justice here," he said.

Sir Terry was forced to pull out at the last minute due to health issues.

Viewer Kirsty Hyndes wrote: "Dermot doing a fantastic job tonight with everyone else. Genuine emotion. Amazing results so far! Well done. #donatenow".

Linda Batt posted: "Brilliant job Dermot filling in for the Wogan ... keep going ... great night as ever."

Taking over on BBC Two from 10pm was EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who celebrated the show's fundraising efforts with his guests at the Old Vic, including singers Peter Andre, Jess Glynne and Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle.

The star-studded night began with a video presented by One Direction, Sir Tom Jones and Dame Helen Mirren to thank the public for the £32.6 million donated last year that has helped benefit 500,000 children in the UK in 2,500 projects.

Ellie Goulding performed her new single Army, the first time it has been seen on TV.

And Bonnie Langford stole the show as the EastEnders cast performed a high kick-filled routine to songs from the musical Top Hat.

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