“I Just Wanted to Make Dad Proud” – Young Buzz’s Innocent Whisper and “Thread of Hope” Performance Becomes the Heart of a Record-Breaking Night

LONDON – November 16, 2025 – In an evening stitched together with kindness, laughter, and unyielding hope, the most unforgettable moment of BBC’s Children in Need 2025 unfolded on a small, spotlighted stage where 11-year-old Buzz Fletcher clutched his father’s hand and let his voice soar. The McFly star Tom Fletcher, 40, had penned “Thread of Hope” especially for the charity telethon—a tender ballad about holding on through darkness—and when Buzz, his eldest son, joined him for the duet, the nation’s hearts collectively stopped. His innocent soprano, backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra’s swelling strings, filled the Elstree Studios with a silence so profound that even host Rochelle Humes paused mid-sentence. One viewer captured the universal sentiment on X: “When Buzz whispered, ‘I just wanted to make Dad proud,’ I couldn’t hold back my tears.” That single song didn’t just touch millions—it became the beating heart of a night that shattered records, raising an astonishing £45,012,347 by the 2 a.m. close.

The performance, slotted just after 10 p.m., was the emotional crescendo of a six-hour extravaganza that blended celebrity sketches, survivor stories, and live appeals. Tom, a veteran of three previous CIN appearances with McFly, had teased the duet weeks earlier on Instagram, posting a rehearsal clip with Buzz’s shy grin captioned: “He’s got the voice of an angel—and the nerves of a rockstar.” But nothing prepared viewers for the live magic. Dressed in matching navy suits with Pudsey pins, father and son stood side-by-side, Tom’s guitar gently strumming the intro as Buzz’s clear, unwavering tone carried the opening verse: “When the night feels too heavy to hold, we’ll weave a thread of hope…” The camera caught Tom’s eyes glistening with quiet pride, his hand never leaving Buzz’s shoulder. As the orchestra crescendoed into the chorus, the duo’s harmonies intertwined like the lyrics themselves—father’s warm baritone grounding son’s crystalline treble.

The whisper came post-song, during a hushed backstage interview with Humes. Buzz, cheeks flushed, leaned into the mic: “I was really nervous, but I just wanted to make Dad proud—and help the kids who need it.” Tom, voice thick, added: “He’s the real star tonight. This song’s for every child who’s ever felt alone.” The moment went viral instantly—#BuzzAndTom trended with 2.8 million posts in an hour, clips amassing 35 million views. Donations spiked £1.2 million in the 10 minutes following, pushing the total past £45 million—a 12% jump from 2024’s £40.1 million.

Children in Need 2025, themed “Threads of Hope,” featured a tapestry of stars: Sir Lenny Henry’s final hosting stint after 40 years, a Strictly Pudsey dance-off with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and a surprise Doctor Who sketch with Ncuti Gatwa. But Buzz’s duet eclipsed them all. “That boy’s voice carried the weight of every child we’re helping tonight,” said CIN CEO Simon Antrobus. Funds will support 3,200 projects—from therapy dogs for bereaved kids to respite breaks for young carers.

Tom, who shares Buzz, Budi (9), and Max (7) with wife Giovanna, has long championed youth causes; McFly’s 2005 single “All About You” raised £500,000 for CIN. Buzz, a pupil at a London stage school, wrote his own verse for “Thread of Hope” during rehearsals: “Even when the stars hide away, we’ll find the light another day.” Post-show, Tom posted a photo of Buzz asleep on his shoulder: “Proud doesn’t cover it. You made the world brighter, son.”

As the telethon closed with £45 million flashing onscreen, Buzz’s whisper lingered: a reminder that hope, like music, starts with a single, brave note. Britain’s children—and one very proud dad—will never forget it.