​Even without Sir Terry the BBC's annual fundraiser smashes previous records

The BBC's annual fundraiser looks set to beat all records – despite its chartismatic host having to bow out at the last minute.

Children in Need raised over £37 million on Friday night, £5m more than last year’s amount.

Nearly £3.2m of this was raised by Scots which itself is a record for Scotland.

Terry Wogan, who has never missed the annual event, had to bail out at the last minute due to back problems.

Dermot O’Leary took his place.

The star-studded night began with a video presented by One Direction, Sir Tom Jones and Dame Helen Mirren to thank the public for the millions donated last year. They said the money had helped 500,000 children in the UK in 2,500 projects.

Chart star Ellie Goulding debuted her new single Army, but entertainer Bonnie Langford stole the show as the EastEnders cast performed a high-kick routine to songs from the musical Top Hat.

Their remarkable generosity will go on to help us change a lot of young lives - David Ramsden

Highlights from Scotland included a performance by Stevie McCrorie of The Voice and a specially commissioned sketch from the stars of TV comedy show Burnistoun.

The money raised will be spent on children's projects across the UK.

David Ramsden, chief executive of BBC Children In Need, said: “People should be feeling incredibly proud of what has been achieved.

“Their remarkable generosity will go on to help us change a lot of young lives.”

The corporation confirmed in a tweet that the fundraising night had been a record-breaker.