Last night’s charity telethon from BBC One managed to rake in a whopping £39 million, which will go to the aid of “underprivileged and disadvantaged youths across the UK”. Presented by famous names such as Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc and Alex Scott MBE, a number of influential figures in the music industry helped out as well. Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez featured in a sketch that introduced everybody’s favourite charity bear, Pudsey. Abba was seen raising money through a competition concerning their new show, and Ed Sheeran performed one of his new singles, “Overpass Graffiti”. Also, a number of musical events helped to rack up the pounds, with TV weatherman Owain Wyn Evans getting in over £3 million with his 24-hour drumathon last week.
£39,389,048
Thank you, your generosity is truly astounding. Together, we can & we will change young lives.
Watch #ChildreninNeed → @BBCiPlayer
Donate → https://t.co/2juQDENBa0— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) November 19, 2021
However, some of the biggest stars were saved for the telethons annual single, which this year was a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 track “Everywhere”. Played as a duet between One Direction’s Niall Horan and singer Anne-Marie, the music video showed footage of the stars in the studio. Here we can see some of the names behind the scenes, with Ed Sheeran playing acoustic guitar, Yungblud helping out on bass, Griff on synths, and Lewis Capaldi giving it some tambourine. Artist Sam Smith was also reportedly involved, despite not appearing in the video. Horan had this to say about his part in the single. “Togetherness sits at the heart of BBC Children in Need, and that’s what this track is all about. I hope people enjoy it, but above all, I hope it lets anyone who might be struggling right now know that we are here for them.” Anne-Marie had a similarly enthusiastic response, saying “As we have seen over the past eighteen months, amazing things happen when we come together to help make a difference, and that’s why I am so proud to be releasing this special track with Niall. I hope everyone loves it as much as we do.”
I hope you all enjoy it, but above all, I hope it lets anyone who might be struggling right now know that we are here for them. Special thank you to @edsheeran, @LewisCapaldi, @yungblud, @samsmith and @wiffygriffy for being a part of this video. https://t.co/6FFrrlpVPp pic.twitter.com/JfRuXYjyR1 — Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) November 19, 2021
As for the song’s original composer, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac was enthusiastic to have her song be part of a good cause. She had this to say. “I’m thrilled with this new version of Everywhere and to be part of this year’s Children In Need campaign. I hope we can really make a difference.” The track is free to listen to on streaming services, but if you’re feeling extra giving, you can purchase it on iTunes for only 99p, with a minimum of 50p going to Children in Need.
