Tom Fletcher’s son Buzz stunned viewers as he took to the stage and performed with his McFly star father during this year’s Children In Need on Friday – which raised an astronomical £45M
The father-son duo left fans ‘sobbing’ as they delivered an emotional duet to Thread Of Hope with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Tom Fletcher’s son Buzz made headlines on Friday night as he stepped into the spotlight for this year’s Children In Need — delivering a performance with his McFly star father that left viewers deeply moved and social media buzzing. The emotional father-son duet unfolded during a telethon that went on to raise an extraordinary £45million, marking one of the charity show’s biggest nights in recent years.
After wowing viewers with their tear-jerking performance, Buzz couldn’t have been any prouder of his dad as he beamed while talking about him
The McFly star shares Buzz, Buddy, eight, and Max, six, with podcast host wife Giovanna Fletcher, 40 (pictured together)
Buzz, just 11 years old, joined his dad onstage to perform Thread of Hope, accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece was written by Tom, 40, especially for Pudsey and for Thread of Hope, a brand-new 25-minute animated CBeebies film arriving on BBC One and iPlayer this December.
Their performance quickly became one of the night’s standout moments, with viewers taking to X to share their reactions — many admitting they were “sobbing” and “in bits” as the duo harmonised. After the song, a proud and smiling Buzz reflected on the moment:
“It’s absolutely incredible. I’ve watched him do this with McFly for years and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps… and to do this on Children In Need — it’s amazing.”
Fans were equally emotional online, with comments flooding in:
“Sobbing at Tom Fletcher and his kid — so cute, please!”
“Tom and Buzz singing together… everything I needed and more.”
Later in the show Sara Cox, 50, was left speechless after discovering she raised a whopping £9million following her gruelling 135-mile marathon challenge
As host Paddy McGuinness announced she’d raised £9,523,028, Sara threw her hand to her mouth totally stunned
The audience erupted into cheers as it was revealed how much Sara had raised
Tom shares Buzz with his wife Giovanna Fletcher, 40, who also hosts a popular podcast. They are parents to three children: Buzz, Buddy (8), and Max (6). Earlier this year Tom proudly revealed that Buzz had secured a role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show Starlight Express, hinting at a rising star in the making.
The expedition was Radio 2’s longest-ever BBC Children In Need Challenge and took a whopping five days, leaving the DJ struggling to walk
But the duet wasn’t the only emotional moment of the evening. Later in the broadcast, Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, 50, was visibly overwhelmed when she discovered she had raised a staggering £9.5million after completing her gruelling 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge. The five-day journey — the longest Radio 2 challenge ever recorded — left her struggling to walk as she reached the BBC One stage to discover her total.
When host Paddy McGuinness announced the exact figure, £9,523,028, Sara gasped, covered her mouth, and said:
“A massive thank you… I could not have done it without you. There’s a lot going on in the world, but Children In Need reminds you there is more good out there.”
Even Prince William joined in, recording a special message aired by Scott Mills during his Radio 2 breakfast show.
“Sara, massive congratulations… you’re nearly there. Pudsey will welcome you with open arms — and hopefully plenty of crumpets.”
Elsewhere, viewers enjoyed a musical performance by chart-topper Lewis Capaldi, who delivered his brand-new single The Day That I Die just hours after its official release. His raw vocals and stripped-back staging added to the emotional energy of the night.
On the lighter side, the telethon delivered one of its funniest sketches in years with a special EastEnders spoof featuring a “mini Kat Slater” running the Queen Vic. The young actress, dressed exactly like Jessie Wallace’s iconic character — leopard print, chunky belt, and statement earrings — left fans “laughing uncontrollably.” Serving a drink to a mini Billy Mitchell, she credited her grown-up look to “a face mask and good night’s sleep.” Viewers begged the BBC to cast her full-time, posting:
“Mini Kat needs a permanent role!”
“The kids are better actors than the adults!”
The sketch also featured pint-sized versions of Phil Mitchell and Billy Mitchell, with fans praising the children’s comedic timing and playful recreations of the soap’s most dramatic characters.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones also appeared live, just one day after announcing the passing of his father, David. Despite the heartbreak, Neil wore his sparkly dance costume and rainbow leg warmers as he joined Mel Giedroyc and fitness coach Joe Wicks for a charity workout. His resilience moved viewers and castmates alike.
Pop star Ella Eyre later took to the stage for a high-energy performance of her latest track Hell Yeah. Meanwhile, the telethon introduced a special preview of The Apprentice celebrity spin-off airing this Christmas — featuring Lord Alan Sugar facing a boardroom full of bold young “junior apprentices” unafraid to grill him about his fortune, regrets, and football loyalties.
Throughout the night, hosts Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Paddy McGuinness, Vernon Kay, Lenny Rush, and Big Zuu kept spirits high. Rochelle, 36, looked stunning in a burgundy strapless gown and sleek updo, while Vernon and Paddy opted for sharp dinner jackets that matched the telethon’s glamorous yet heartfelt tone.
The evening opened with a Simpsons-themed parody featuring each host recreating the iconic animated intro — a playful start to a night filled with emotional performances, comedy sketches, celebrity appearances, and the generosity of millions of viewers across the UK.
By the end of the night, the total soared to an astonishing £45million, reflecting the passion, creativity, and heart that continue to define Children In Need year after year.
