Cast of Eastenders lead the entertainment as stars sing and dance for Children In Need

This year's Children in Need was bigger and better than ever before, with a host of stars joining forces to raise funds to provide much needed resources and support to young people and their families, coping with life-threatening illness, bereavement and poverty.

With Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc, Tess Daley and Ade Adepitan and Marvin and Rochelle Huhmes presenting the five hour marathon, the show was supported by celebrities including Liam Payne, Nial Horan, Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Olivia Coleman, Peter Andre, Kimberley Walsh, Peter Kay, Jim Broadbent, The Vamps, Mylene Klass, Anne Robinson, Rylan Clarke Neal, the cast of Eastenders, the Strictly Come Dancing judges and Anne Robinson with a celebrity edition of The Weakest Link.

Always a highlight of the evening, the cast of Eastenders led the entertainment with their annual song and dance number. This year they performed a medley of show tunes as the East End meets the West End. With songs from Oliver! My Fair Lady and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the cast were transformed into chimney sweeps, flower sellers and street urchins as they sang and danced through Albert Square.

There was also a sneak preview into the eagerly anticipated Christmas episode of Dr Who, as the doctor comes face-to-face with himself in an an earlier incarnation.

The TV talent shows were well represented as the ex-Blue Peter presenters were brought out for a turn on the dance floor for a Children in Need Strictly Come Dancing special.

And in a Children in Need first, even the presenters of Country File turned out for a medley of country songs.

While the stars provided the entertainment, it was the heartbreaking stories of the children who have courageously battled ill health and adversity, and their siblings and parents who have supported them, that left viewers moved to tears.

Among the real-life accounts was the story of Vanessa, who spent 800 days in hospital as she bravely battled a rare form of cancer . While she lost her battle after enduring every form of cancer treatment available, she won the hearts of millions with her smile and her love of singing.

The show highlighted the important work of organisations that provide bereavement counsellors, respite for young carers and mental health support, as a result of donations to Children In Need,

There was also a poignant tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan with Graham Norton and Joanna Lumley leading an emotional tribute to the radio and TV star, who died in January 2016 after a battle with cancer.

"We'll never forget that one man above all other made Children In Need what it is today - the late, great Sir Terry Wogan ," Graham told the audience ahead of presenting the Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Award.

Joanna, who once presented Children in Need with Sir Terry, added: "He was just the best friend, he was the funniest man, he was the kindest man and he adored Children In Need... I loved him."

A record £46.6m was raised last year. Since 1980 Children in Need has raised over £600 million for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK