BBC Children in Need’s 2023 appeal raised an on-the-night total of £33.5m, 5% less than the previous year.
The three-hour telethon raised £33,513,325 for the charity on Friday, £1.76m less than in 2022, with the final total to be announced later this year as donations continue to roll in.
In 2022, its on-the-night total was £35.3m, a drop from £39.4m in 2021 (10%).
The televised appeal’s largest fall in income was in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to £10.9m less being raised on the night (£37.0m).
Radio presenter Vernon Kay raised more than £5m for the 2023 appeal by completing a marathon by running from Leicester to Bolton.
Simon Antrobus, chief executive at BBC Children in Need, said: “The overwhelming kindness and generosity shown this evening – especially when things are incredibly hard for so many – is remarkable.
“I want to thank the UK for once again showing children and young people that we are here for them. To each and every person that gave so generously this evening, thank you.”
We're elated to be able to announce the grand total raised this year.. £33,513,325! 🙌
— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) November 17, 2023
Thank you so much to everyone who got involved and donated - your support will mean the world to children and young people across the UK. #ChildreninNeed pic.twitter.com/nPZukRcTfe
This year, the show was presented by Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Lenny Rush and Alex Scott.
The show featured a special-build by the DIY SOS team and a preview of a scene from the upcoming Doctor Who series.
In February, director of income, marketing and communications, Claire Hoyle, told Fundraising Magazine that the charity was looking to diversify its income by using new digital platforms like TikTok.
