British boybands raise cash during Children In Need telethon

Boybands including One Direction, Jls and new supergroup Mcbusted led the way during Britain's Children In Need telethon on Friday night (15Nov13) by helping to raise cash on live TV.

One Direction took to the stage to perform their hit track Best Song Ever, marking the third time they have appeared on the annual fundraiser, and bandmember Harry Styles revealed how much the organization means to them, saying, "We grew up watching it... If you grew up watching something, it's so important, so we love getting involved."

His bandmate Liam Payne added, "We've watched Children In Need since we were children and we are so proud to be a part of it. The children the charity supports are a complete inspiration."

The pop stars later filmed appeals for donations on the set of popular U.K. soap opera Eastenders, while another boyband, JLS, performed a medley of their hits on the show's set.

New supergroup McBusted, made up of members of McFly and Busted, also performed, along with rapper Tinie Tempah, singer James Arthur and Ellie Goulding, who belted out the official Children in Need single How Long Will I Love You.

Singers Kylie Minogue, Sir Tom Jones, Cheryl Cole and actress Olivia Colman were also among the famous faces who filmed appeals featured during the show.

The telethon had raised in excess of $46.5 million to aid disadvantaged kids.

Officials at the Children In Need organization also hosted a star-studded concert in London earlier in the week (beg11Nov13) to raise money for the cause. The show was masterminded by Take That star Gary Barlow and featured acts including Kings of Leon and veteran crooner Barry Manilow.