BBC presenters announce massive Children in Need 2026 total

Children in Need 2026 has raised more than £38,000,000, it's been confirmed, after a star-studded show including the Dune cast, a Strictly Come Dancing performance and cameos from Marvel actors. The annual extravaganza returned to television on Friday, 13 November, with presenters including Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West.

The charitable broadcast featured an extraordinary array of well-known personalities participating in challenges, performances and sketches, with the BBC having previously promised "dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir". It has now been disclosed how much was collected, as the live broadcast drew to a close, reports the Mirror.

How much was raised for Children in Need 2026?

As the programme concluded, Mel announced the total sum raised for Children in Need: £38,720,170.

Last year's programme raised £45,507,536 on the evening of its 2025 appeal broadcast.

"To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you," Alex said, concluding the show, as Sara encouraged: "Keep the donations coming in!" Mel added: "We're so grateful to each and every one of you for your support."

The figure follows BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans completing his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530. He participated in a five-day cycling journey across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

As he reached the finish line with his bicycle, Shania Chain, Owain remarked: "Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can't believe that I'm here with this welcome and the sun's out!".

He continued: "Just reflecting on what it's been like. We're doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need. There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations."

Prior to this year's Children in Need broadcast, The One Show presenter Alex revealed: "It means the absolute world to be part of the team for the big night of Children in Need, I have watched it avidly since I was a little girl and Sir Terry Wogan was at the helm.

"It was always one of the big highlights of the year. And more recently for me, The One Show has always been very much at the heart of Children in Need, as we will be again this year with our Challenge Squad, so it feels amazing to be there with Pudsey on his big night."

**Ensure our latest TV stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings**

Mel revealed: "Being part of Children in Need every year, as I have been for the last 10 years as presenter, which I'm so honoured and privileged to do, is everything to me. It's a red-letter day, and one of the most life affirming and important for me in my calendar."

Rylan enthused: "⁠It's amazing to be part of Children in Need's appeal show, obviously it's something that I have grown up watching and loved and have been involved in in the past, so to be asked to host this year is a real honour."

He went on to say: "Children in Need matters because unfortunately, the title still stands - there are a lot of children that are still in need and we need to do our bit to make sure no child goes without the love and care that they deserve."

Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.