Alex Scott puts on a very glamorous display in a black satin ruched gown as she hosts Children In Need 2023

Alex Scott put on a very glamorous show when she presented Children In Need 2023 on Friday evening.

The sports presenter, 39, looked as elegant as ever in a stunning black satin dress with ruffles and halter straps.

She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of black stilettos and accessorized her sophisticated ensemble with a glitzy jeweled choker necklace.

Alex, who recently confirmed her romance with Jess Glynne by sharing a kiss, made sure all eyes were on her as she walked down the red carpet.

The former footballer then made her grand arrival on stage to host the annual fundraising event alongside a range of stars.

She fronted the live BBC show alongside Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc and Lenny Rush, among others.

Later that evening, Alex choked back tears after watching a young boy named Shay discuss his struggle with Tourette’s syndrome.

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by a combination of involuntary sounds and movements, called tics, and usually begins during childhood.

Shay talked about how he felt ‘lonely’ because of his Tourette’s because he didn’t know other young people who had the same problems as him.

His mother said: ‘He was terrified of his own shadow,’ while his father added: ‘He didn’t want to go out, he locked himself in because he was afraid of what people thought. Even with us he was different.’

Shay then talked about how Children In Need had helped him by enabling him to attend Tourettes Action’s Ticfest, where he met other young people with Tourette’s.

She flashed back to Alex in the live studio, then choked back tears as she was overwhelmed with emotion at Shay’s story.

Alex had to pause as she struggled to speak through her tears while her co-host Chris Ramsey comforted her.

She then said: ‘Without Children in Need, Shay would not have met other children who share the same difficulties he has faced. As his mother and father said, your donations helped them get their son back.”

Alex’s appearance on stage came after Kate Middleton surprised viewers by opening Children In Need with an impassioned speech.

The Princess of Wales, 41, was the surprise opening act of the annual charity fundraiser in a video message.

Wearing a favorite £175 blue blouse, studded with rainbows from London brand Lisou, she told the crowd: ‘Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children in Need has invited me to open tonight’s show.’

Her appearance came at just the right time, given her historic speech earlier this week on the importance of early childhood and the impact experiences between birth and five can have on adult life.

“Tonight is all about helping support, advocate and empower all children to be the best they can be, which is crucial to their future health and happiness,” the mother of three explained.

‘Our relationships, environment and experiences during the early years lay the foundation that determines the rest of our lives.’ And yet, unfortunately, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and can take many people years to overcome.”

She concluded: ‘It is therefore crucial that we cherish every childhood and why the type of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.

‘They help the youngest, most vulnerable members of our society to feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhood now and grow to achieve their potential and in later life in the world to thrive.

‘I hope you enjoy tonight’s show and good luck to everyone taking part in the challenges and incredible fundraising.’

It was the first time the future queen had taken part in a television fundraising campaign such as Children in Need, which is expected to raise more than £35 million this year.