BBC Children In Need confirms fundraising total for 2026 - including millions for Owain Wyn Evans

BBC Children In Need has revealed its fundraising total at the end of its mammoth annual TV special. Tonight's drive was hosted by Sara Cox, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan Clark, Tyler West and Alex Jones, with appearances from the likes of Marvel's Letitia Wright, Texas, and the cast of Dune 3.

At the end of the show, it was confirmed that an impressive £38,720,170 had been raised so far, with donation lines still open.

That includes a hefty £4,760,086 as a result of an incredible 400-mile international cycle by Radio 2's Owain Wyn Evans.

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Speaking tonight after finishing his epic quest just hours ago, he said: "I'm actually, at the moment OK. I don't know if the adrenaline is still in the system."

He quipped: "Bit of a dodgy knee still, bad back and I fell off the bike again this morning. As an adult, falling off a bike is kind of scary!"

The challenge started on Monday in Scotland and over the next five days, the broadcaster rode through Northern Ireland, England and Wales. He crossed the finish line in Cardiff's Central Square this morning.

Speaking at the end of the night, Rylan said: "Thank you to everyone at home who has donated and got behind Children In Need this year. This is down to you. Thank you so so much."

Alex added: "To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children In Need is here for you."

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And Sara - who completed her own grueling physical challenge for the charity last year - said: "Let's make sure every child in need has someone by their side. Please keep donating, there's still plenty of time so keep the donations coming in."

The show included memorable moments including all the hosts taking part in quickfire dance routines with Strictly Come Dancing professionals, and Rylan being pranked during an interview with the cast of Dune 3.

He was unaware that a panel of mischievous youngsters were using earpieces to give Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy and Jason Momoa instructions to misbehave.

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Shaun is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, with over a decade of experience reporting on all things pop culture. He has written for outlets including Metro, Attitude, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Yahoo!, Pink News and Express Online, specialising in TV, movies, soaps, music and LGBTQ+ issues. He is also a BAFTA Rocliffe-winning scriptwriter, having written episodes of the soap Hollyoaks, the official Steps musical Here & Now and multiple Offie Award-nominated plays. He studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, and will happily talk at length about Desperate Housewives to anyone who'll listen.