BBC Comic Relief host Rylan Clark brought the show to a standstill to reveal the staggering sum of money donated. Celebrating its landmark 40th anniversary, Comic Relief made a triumphant return with the nation's top talent lined up to delight audiences in tonight's Red Nose Day extravaganza.

The evening kicked off with a blast from the past as 80s legends graced the stage; Limahl of Kajagoogoo fame, T'Pau's Carol Decker, and Andrew Roachford performed their classic hits.

Midway through the festivities, Rylan interrupted proceedings to disclose the charitable contributions collected so far.

Addressing both the viewers at home and those in the studio, the 36 year old presenter expressed: "All this talk of money has got me in the mood and I think now is the right time to see our first bit of the night."

He then turned to his co-host Alesha Dixon, asking for her thoughts with: "What do you think Alesha?" Shortly after, they were joined by fellow hosts Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, AJ Odudu, Joel Dommett, and Tom Allen to share the news.

Rylan revealed a monumental over £17 million had been raised, announcing: "So far - are you ready for this? The total stands at £17,534,475."

This announcement followed an emotional moment when Jamie Laing completed his intense Ultra Marathon challenge, raising a phenomenal £2,007,114 for Comic Relief.

The 36 year old BBC Radio 1 presenter ran an astonishing 150 miles from London to Salford over five days, breaking down in tears as he finished, with his wife Sophie Habboo by his side to offer comfort.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Jamie exclaimed: "Thank you so much. That is unbelievable! You're changing lives. Thank you so much!"

He received a hero's welcome from the exuberant crowd and his Radio 1 colleagues Greg James, Vick Hope, and Jeremiah Asiamah, who revealed the staggering sum he had raised, reports .

Jamie enthused: "At one point I thought I was down and out. Mentally I was gone, physically I was broken. I didn't have anything left in me. Something pulled me out. The last kilometre was the most euphoric thing I've ever had."

Comic Relief: Even More Funny for Money will air on Saturday 22nd March at 4:30pm on BBC One