Children In Need made its grand return on Friday with a three-hour entertainment-packed show.

The star-studded event was hosted by Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey, and Lenny Rush.

It was filled with emotional moments and featured appearances from the Strictly professionals, the Gladiators, and a thrilling final reveal of the total amount raised.

Fans were also treated to the return of the Brockman family in an Outnumbered sketch ahead of their December Christmas Special, while Gary Oldman shared a memorable CBeebies Bedtime Story.

As the show came to a close, co-host Vernon Kay expressed his graтιтude to viewers for their generosity, announcing an impressive total of £39,210,850 had been raised so far.

An incredible £8.8 million of the total came from radio star Paddy McGuinness’ gruelling 300-mile cycle ride from Wrexham to Glasgow.

Children In Need made its grand return on Friday with a three-hour entertainment-packed show and raised an incredible amount

As the show came to a close, co-host Vernon Kay expressed his graтιтude to viewers for their generosity, announcing an impressive total of £39,210,850 had been raised so far

Joining the presenters on stage, the comedian was left in shock as they revealed just how much he raised.

Paddy said: ‘Underneath these clothes its all sellotape and safety pins. But when you’re in it you kind of just get on with it.’

He continued: ‘The actual joy of doing it, you can’t call it a challenge. Honestly it’s a privilege. The feeling of love, community, and people coming together, it’s the best feeling in the world and I’ll never forget it.’

Paddy joked that he was ‘thinking of buying shares in Kleenex’ as he had used so many throughout the ride.

Meanwhile Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa introduced a world-exclusive preview of the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special, and a sketch from the Outnumbered cast.

The night also saw the premiere of a new music video for Girls Aloud’s version of I’ll Stand by You – where the lead vocal was sung entirely by the late Sarah Harding. 

Sarah tragically pᴀssed away in September 2021 at just 39 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. 

The video marked Cheryl’s first TV appearance since her ex-boyfriend Liam Payne tragically pᴀssed away last month.

An incredible £8.8 million of the total came from radio star Paddy McGuinness’ gruelling 300-mile cycle ride from Wrexham to Glasgow

Joining the presenters on stage, the comedian was left in shock as they revealed just how much he raised

The former Top Gear host undertook a 300-mile bike ride, beginning in Wrexham, Wales, on Monday and crossing the finish line in Glasgow on Thursday 

One Direction star Liam, who is the father of son Bear, seven, tragically pᴀssed away aged 31 after falling off from a balcony of his H๏τel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Read More Pedalling Paddy raises stunning £8.8m for Pudsey – as emotional McGuiness thanks supporters

The band, who did not appear on the show for a live performance following Liam’s tragic death, struggled to hold back tears in the emotional tribute to Sarah.

Cheryl spoke about how much the song meant to them and their late friend.

‘Back in 2004 we were really honoured to be asked to release the official Children In Need single of our cover I’ll Stand By You,’ said Nicola.

She was followed by Nadine, who added: ‘There was a huge campaign that we travelled around the UK to promote the song and the amazing work Children In Need do.’

‘When we got back together to tour earlier this year we dedicated the song I’ll Stand By You to Sarah at every show,’ Nicola said.

The night also saw the premiere of a new music video for Girls Aloud’s version of I’ll Stand by You – where the lead vocal was sung entirely by the late Sarah Harding

It marked Cheryl’s first TV appearance since her ex-boyfriend Liam Payne tragically pᴀssed away last month (pictured in 2016)

Sarah tragically pᴀssed away in September 2021 at just 39 after a courageous battle with breast cancer (pictured in 2015)

‘We went through the Girls Aloud vault and put together a version where Sarah’s incredible voice took the lead so we could duet with her.’

The live show saw JLS star Aston Merrygold, Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin, and Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on Graham Norton’s red chair.

While BBC Gladiators stars joined hosts Ramsey, Rush, and Kay for a fun-filled dance class.

Since 1980, the event has raised over one billion pounds to support disadvantaged young people and their families. 

In 2016, it set a record with an incredible £60 million raised for charities across the nation.