Alex Scott put on a very glamorous display as she hosted Children In Need 2023 on Friday night.

The sports presenter, 39, looked as elegant as ever in a stunning black satin gown with ruched detailing and halter-neck straps.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of black stilettos and accessorised her sophisticated ensemble with a glitzy jewelled choker necklace.

Alex, who recently confirmed her romance with Jess Glynne by sharing a kiss, made sure all eyes were on her as she took to the red carpet.

The former footballer then made her grand arrival on stage to host the annual fundraising event alongside a string of stars.

She fronted the live BBC show alongside the likes of Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc and Lenny Rush, with the charity’s 43rd appeal show raising an incredible £33.5million.

Commenting on the evening, Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need, said: ‘The overwhelming kindness and generosity shown this evening – especially when things are incredibly hard for so many – is remarkable.

‘I want to thank the UK for once again showing children and young people that we are here for them. To each and every person that gave so generously this evening, thank you.’

Later in the night, Alex choked back tears after she watched a young boy called Shay discuss his struggles with Tourette’s syndrome.

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics and usually starts during childhood.

Shay spoke about how he felt ‘lonely’ due to his Tourette’s because he didn’t know any other young people who were having the same struggles as him.

His mother said: ‘He was petrified of his own shadow,’ while his father added: ‘He didn’t want to go out, he shut himself away because he was afraid of what people were thinking. Even with us, he was different.’

Shay then opened up how Children In Need had helped him by enabling him to go to Tourettes Action’s Ticfest, where he met other young people with Tourette’s.

Flashing back to Alex in the live studio, she then choked back tears as she became overwhelmed with emotion at Shay’s story.

Alex had to pause for a moment as she struggled to speak through her tears, while her co-host Chris Ramsey comforted her.

She then said: ‘Without Children In Need, Shay wouldn’t have met other children who share the same difficulties that he has faced. As his mum and dad said, your donations have helped them get their son back.’

Alex’s appearance on stage came after Kate Middleton surprised viewers by opening Children In Need with an impassioned speech.

The Princess of Wales, 41, was the surprise opening act of the annual charity fundraiser in a video message.

Wearing a favourite £175 blue blouse dotted with rainbows by London brand Lisou, she told the audience: ‘Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children in Need have invited me to open this evening’s show.’

Her appearance was timely given her landmark speech earlier this week on the importance of early childhood and the affect that experiences between the ages of birth to five can have on adult life.

‘Tonight is all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be, which is crucial for their future health and happiness,’ the mother-of-three explained.

‘Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.’And yet sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome.’

She concluded: ‘It is vital, therefore, that we nurture every childhood and why the sorts of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.

‘They help the very youngest, most vulnerable members of our society feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhoods now, and grow to reach their potential and thrive in the world in later life.

‘I hope you enjoy this evening’s show and best of luck to all those taking part in challenges and the incredible fundraising effort.’

It was the first time that the future queen has taken part in a television fundraiser such as Children in Need, which is expected to raise in excess of £35million this year.