Michael Buble's performance as son battles cancer helps raise record £46m for Children In Need

Canadian singer Micheal Buble left Children In Need viewers heartbroken with his performance of Beach Boy's hit God Only knows – broadcast just weeks after the revelation that his 3-year-old son, Noah, is battling liver cancer.

The 41-year-old filmed his segment on 16 October, weeks prior to receiving news of Noah's condition. Buble and his wife Luisana Lopilato have since announced they are "putting their careers on hold" while their son undergoes treatment in the US.

"Crying at Buble singing God Only Knows for #ChildrenInNeed after all that's happened to him over the past few weeks. Great man," posted one social media user.

Children In Need 2016 raised a record £46.6m ($57.56m) on Friday night (18 November), in the first broadcast of the annual charity event since the death of veteran broadcaster and host Sir Terry Wogan.

The presenter, who died in January this year, fronted the annual charity event for 35 years until poor health saw him pull out in 2015.

A number of new faces hosted this year, including Rochelle Humes, who touched upon Buble's personal struggles: "We thank you so much and of course our thoughts are with you at this difficult time for you and your family," she said.

Humes also added that Wogan would have been "proud" of this year's "absolutely incredible total," as a Fundraiser of the Year trophy was awarded in his name.

Unveiling the award, Sir Terry's son Mark announced the first winner as Lauchlan Muir, a boy from from West Lothian, who raised funds by being a "human statue".

Describing Children In Need as his father's favourite night of the year, he added: "The money raised tonight and throughout the year actually made a difference to people who need it. And that's why he loved it."

The 2016 show featured appearances from a host of stars including Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne and pop star Britney Spears, alongside special editions of EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing featuring the Team GB Olympic squad.

Speaking ahead of his cameo, Redmayne said: "I have such fond memories of Children in Need – growing up, I loved watching all the special sketches and performances, and, of course, Sir Terry Wogan's inimitable presenting.

"It is a charity very close to my heart so you can only imagine how chuffed I was to be asked to do a special sketch for this year," he added.

Mel Giedroyc, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood also appeared in a tribute to The Great British Bake Off as the show prepares to move from the BBC to Channel 4, while Ricky Gervais revived his David Brent character.

The night included musical performances from Busted, Craig David, Little Mix.

Take That meanwhile held an intimate concert for a superfan who raised £1m ($1.5m) to have the band play in her living room.

Graham Norton and former Paralympic athlete Ade Adepitan took over hosting duties later in the evening, introducing a montage of Wogan's most memorable moments.

The new record total eclipses last year's impressive £37.1m ($45.8) fundraising effort.