DERMOT O'Leary stepped into veteran broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan's shoes as Children In Need presenter last night.
Limerick-born Sir Terry (77) pulled out of the show at the last minute on Thursday on the advice of doctors following a procedure on his back.
O'Leary, whose parents are from Co Wexford, wished Sir Terry well.
"Your shoes are big shoes to fill," he said as he joined presenter Tess Daly on the live BBC One show.
Speaking before the event, O'Leary said he could not wait to get involved in the charity night.
He said: "It's a huge honour to be asked to step into Sir Terry's shoes tonight. He is one of my broadcasting heroes and has been a source of support for me down the years.
"I'd like to add my best wishes to Sir Terry for a speedy recovery, and I hope I do him justice and do my small part to make the night a success and make as much money as we can for disadvantaged children across the country."
The Radio 2 DJ hosted the show between 7.30pm and 10pm alongside Daly and Fearne Cotton, before passing the baton to Shane Richie on BBC Two at 10pm.
A BBC spokesman said they were "incredibly grateful" to O'Leary for stepping in at short notice.
Now in its 36th year, Sir Terry said he was "proud" to have been able to host the event since it began.
"I'm going to miss our wonderful, inspiring evening together, but I'll be with you, watching, cheering and donating to a magnificent cause," he said.
Since its launch in 1980, Pudsey the Bear and co have raised nearly £800 million for children's charities in the UK and supports 2,500 projects. In the last year alone, the charity has helped nearly half a million disadvantaged children.
One Direction and Dame Helen Mirren were among the stars hoping to make this year's Children In Need the biggest yet.
Other stars included former Doctor Who actor David Tennant, Sherlock actor Martin Freeman, singer Ellie Goulding performing her new single, and pop star Jess Glynne, who sang the official BBC Children In Need single, Take Me Home.
Sir Terry took part in an exclusive pre-recorded Star Wars sketch with C3PO and R2-D2 alongside Star Wars actor Warwick Davis.
Comedian Harry Hill presented a one-off tour of TV history, while some of the stars of Call The Midwife took part in a Strictly Come Dancing special.
More musical performances came from stars including Rod Stewart, Selena Gomez, Years And Years, and Anastacia.
