Dougray Scott in Focus:  Articles and Interviews

IT was a night when the myth that Scots have deep pockets and short arms was blown away like so much Scotch mist.

The annual Children in Need appeal saw the Scottish total reach its highest level ever, with £709,018 pledged in donations on the night, £54,314 more than last year.

Thousands of people across the country took part in fundraising events on Friday, while the normal television schedules were cleared for a night of entertainment to support the appeal.

A host of Scottish celebrities also turned out - from Dougray Scott and Clare Grogan to the Proclaimers, Marti Pellow and Carol Smillie, while EastEnders star Alex Ferns, who plays Mo Slater’s violent husband Trevor, was ‘gunged’ after the Scottish total reached half a million pounds.

The event was hosted in Scotland by BBC newsreader Jackie Bird, who made sure her cleavage was covered by a black halterneck top after criticism at Hogmanay when she wore a plunging neckline.

The event also entered the record books for having the world’s largest gathering of Harry Potter lookalikes, with 558 children dressing up as the young wizard.

Even technical hitches - the Proclaimers singing faster than their backing band were playing, and Ferns’ curses while being covered in yellow paint - did not put a dampener on the night. Although the vision of sports presenters Chick Young and Jim Delahunt in schoolgirl outfits came close.

Nationally almost £13m was donated to Children in Need after the seven-hour star-studded TV spectacular drew to an end.

The BBC announced that £12,895,853 had been raised for the charity, more than £600,000 up on this stage last year.

Martina Milburn, director of Children in Need, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the total received. It’s been a difficult few months for many people and we could not have hoped for a more generous response.

"It’s been a great year and we would like to say a big thankyou to everyone for their support."

The seven-hour fundraiser, hosted from London by Gaby Roslin and Terry Wogan, was kicked off by Irish boy band Westlife, who were then whisked off to Belfast in a private jet to perform in the city centre.

Organisers are hoping the event - which featured performances by Cher, S Club 7 and Charlotte Church - will eventually smash last year’s total of £20m.

Anthea Turner, Dale Winton and prankster Jeremy Beadle were among the stars who took part in a celebrity version of TV quiz Fifteen to One.

BBC weather girls also got into the spirit of the evening with a rendition of ‘It’s Raining Men’ while members of the BBC news team, including Peter Sissons, Jeremy Vine, Jennie Bond and Nicholas Witchell, sent themselves up with a spoof dance routine.

The tables were turned on ‘Nasty’ Nigel Lythgoe and Nicky Chapman of TV’s Popstars, who were booed by the audience after teaming up to perform the Irving Berlin classic ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’.

© 2001 Scotland on Sunday