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The Great British public has risen to the occasion once again and raised an astonishing £18,098,199 for ±«Óãtv Children in Need which will help change the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.

The spectacular appeal show marked the crescendo of this year's activities through a star-studded feast of family entertainment which brought the whole of the UK together.

Highlights included:

• Cheryl Cole with a dazzling show-opener
• Formula 1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button teamed up to give some young carers an unforgettable experience
• Westlife and The Script performed live from the Odyssey Arena in Belfast
• Kylie Minogue performed her new single Better Than Today
• A brilliant Doctor Who Special
• The Saturdays took on McFly in a special edition of Strictly Come Dancing, with McFly's Harry Judd and partner Ola Jordan winning the Pudsey trophy
• The Hairy Bikers cooked up a sizzling version of Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell
• Alex Jones hosted the ±«Óãtv Children in Need celebrations live from the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff during the half-time interval of the Wales v Fiji rugby match (which was re-named The ±«Óãtv Children in Need International)
• JLS performed the official ±«Óãtv Children in Need single, Love You More
• TV history was made as EastEnders and Coronation Street united for the first time ever, to produce an exclusive mini-episode. Walford's residents hit the cobbles of Weatherfield, while the Rovers regulars turned up on Albert Square
• Susan Boyle enjoyed A Perfect Day live in London's Television Centre
• John Barrowman hosted the musical fundraiser from Glasgow, with guest stars Alexandra Burke and McFly
• A spectacular double dose of Take That who performed The Flood and classic hit Never Forget as a five-piece live for the first ever time
• The ±«Óãtv Newsreaders produced an unforgettable Lady Gaga routine, coached by Louie Spence
• A Come Dine With Me Dragons' Den special, won by Theo Paphitis
• Peter Andre performed a thrilling tribute to Michael Jackson with Man In The Mirror
• Loose Women performed their version of a Girls Aloud classic
• The cast of Priscilla put on a show-stopping performance
• Blue Peter adventurer Helen Skelton took on the role of Baby in the hit musical Dirty Dancing
• An exclusive Children in Need performance from West-End hit Phantom Of The Opera
• Pudsey's Greatest Hits, a celebration of Children in Need's most memorable moments from the last 30 years

The seven-hour entertainment show live from London's Television Centre was hosted by the legendary Terry Wogan, with TV darlings Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton. Throughout the evening, the show linked up with Children in Need shows which took place in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, as the whole UK showed their spots for Pudsey.

The Appeal Night represented an exciting culmination of fundraising activity for ±«Óãtv Children in Need, but the total will continue to rise as the money pours in from the thousands of events already held, or scheduled to happen, around the UK. From cake sales in the office, to talent contests at school, from spotty fashion shows to the dreaded wax-off, a huge community of supporters showed their spots to help raise lots for ±«Óãtv Children in Need.

And it's not too late to get involved, either by organising a fundraising event, calling our donation line on 0345 733 2233 or visiting the .

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of ±«Óãtv Children in Need, said: "In these tough times the millions raised tonight will make a real difference to thousands of young lives right across the UK. On behalf of the children I would like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity."

Terry Wogan said: "The generosity of the Great British public is just staggering and we are so grateful for all your donations.We couldn't help the disadvantaged children and young people of this country without your help so please give what you can and help change a young life for the better. Thank you."

The regional totals were:

Scotland   – £1,394,428
N. Ireland   – £568,919
Wales   – £1,034,336
North West   – £1,564,739
East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire   – £418,592
NorthYorkshire   – £1,154,450
North East and Cumbria   – £928,189
West Midlands   – £1,559,105
East Midlands   – £719,902
East   – £1,363,679
West   – £689,409
South West   – £502,102
South   – £1,241,676
South East   – £731,251
London –  £2,533,980

TV regional total  – £16,404,755

Radio 2 total   – £1,693,444

The final "On the Night" total was: £18,098,199.

Notes to Editors

The ±«Óãtv Children in Need Appeal is a registered charity number 802052.

Last year was had a final on the night total of £20.3 million (which included £2.1 million from a special concert held at the Royal Albert Hall). That total grew to over £39 million after the big night.

±«Óãtv Children in Need's mission is to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and our corporate partners, we are able to make a difference to thousands of young lives.

±«Óãtv Children in Need awards grants to organisations working with children aged 18 and under who have any kind of disability; behavioural or psychological disorders; are living in poverty or situations of deprivation; or suffering through distress, abuse or neglect.

The charity is supported by a number of corporate partners including Asda, Boots, Costco, B&Q, Greggs and our operational partner BT.

±«Óãtv Press Office