Children In Need 2025 delivered one of its most emotional moments yet when McFly star Tom Fletcher took to the stage with his 11-year-old son, Buzz, whose unexpected vocal talent left viewers across the UK in floods of tears.

Performing Tom’s original track Thread of Hope — written specially for Pudsey and the upcoming 25-minute CBeebies animated film of the same name — the father-and-son duo stood alongside the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in what many fans have already called the “highlight of the night”.

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Buzz, beaming with pride, admitted he was overwhelmed to share the stage with his superstar dad. He said it felt “absolutely incredible”, adding that he’d watched Tom perform with McFly for years and always dreamed of following in his footsteps. “But Children In Need… it’s incredible,” he added, his voice shaking with excitement.

Viewers reported being “in bits” from the moment Buzz opened his mouth. One fan wrote that they were “sobbing over Tom Fletcher and his son performing on Children In Need,” while another said: “It’s a Friday night and I am emotional about Buzz Fletcher on stage with his dad.”

The performance aired on the same night Children In Need announced its colossal £45 million total — boosted significantly by Sara Cox’s heroic 135-mile Great Northern Marathon challenge, which raised £7.6 million alone. Cox, who carried a Pudsey Bear backpack for the full five-day journey, said crossing the finish line was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done”.

But it was Tom and Buzz’s duet that stole viewers’ hearts, reinforcing the emotional spirit of the telethon and marking a milestone moment for the Fletcher family. Tom, who shares sons Buzz, Buddy and Max with wife Giovanna Fletcher, looked visibly emotional as he watched his eldest step into the spotlight.

As one viewer summed it up: “Tom and Buzz Fletcher singing together on Children In Need… that was everything and more.”