Strictly and Outnumbered stars help Children in Need

The televised appeal was hosted by Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey and Rochelle Humes, alongside Vernon Kay, Mel Giedroyc and Lenny Rush.

Highlights included Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa introducing a preview from the show's Christmas special.

And the on-screen family from sitcom Outnumbered reunited for a sketch, ahead of their own forthcoming festive special.

Viewers were also treated to a visit from the stars of Gladiators, while there was a special performance from Strictly Come Dancing as the professionals were joined by cartoon character Bluey.

One poignant moment was the premiere of the video of this year's Children in Need single - a new version of Girls Aloud's I'll Stand By You, with the lead vocal sung entirely by late band member Sarah Harding.

The ballad was originally released as a Children In Need song in 2004 and topped the UK chart for two weeks.

The new version uses Harding's rediscovered solo recording, with unseen archive footage used in the video. Harding died in 2021 at the age of 39.

Also on Friday, there was a performance by singer Ella Henderson, while pop star Kylie recorded a special message.