Children In Need’s hysterical EastEnders sketch saw a mini Kat Slater taking charge at the Queen Vic, with fans begging bosses to cast the doppelgänger in the soap

The young actress was dressed as the iconic character, played since 2000 by Jessie Wallace  (pictured)  in a leopard print blouse with chunky belt and dangling earrings

A second posted: ‘That EastEnders spoof on children In Need had some of the best acting I’ve seen from kids – ever. Incredible job.’

‘Think the kids are better actors than the adults on EastEnders,’ said a third. While a fourth commented: ‘That was so funny! Laughed out loud uncontrollably.’

This year’s Children In Need, which raised an incredible £45million, kicked off at 7pm on BBC One.

Hosting the charity appeal were Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu.

The telethon opened to a special Simpsons themed clip as each host recreated the sitcom’s iconic opening titles.

Throughout the night viewers were treated to a variety of performances and sketches.

As the show got under way, Lord Alan Sugar faced a boardroom grilling from a group of budding entrepreneurs as they become his junior apprentices.

The Apprentice boss, 78, found himself under fire from a fearless group of mini magnates who weren’t afraid to ask the tough questions, from his famously grumpy streak to his millions, football loyalties, inheritance plans and workplace regrets.

Serving Billy, also played by a youngster instead of actor Perry Fenwick, a ‘double orange squash, she put down her youthful transformation to a ‘face mask and good night sleep’.

Taking to X they said: ‘OMG EastEnders and Children In Need, Brilliant’: ‘Mini Kat needs a full time part on EastEnders’

But instead of his trademark boardroom scowl, the business mogul actually manages a smile, proving he might just be going a bit soft in his old age.

Viewers will also got a first look a the highly anticipated celebrity spin-off of The Apprentice, which is set to air this Christmas.

Later in the show Sara Cox, 50, was left speechless after discovering she raised a whopping £9million following her gruelling 135-mile marathon challenge.

The expedition was Radio 2’s longest-ever BBC Children In Need Challenge and took a whopping five days, leaving the DJ struggling to walk as she made her way on stage to discover just how much she’d made for the charity.

As host Paddy McGuinness announced she’d raised £9,523,028, Sara threw her hand to her mouth totally stunned.

Thanking those who had donated she gushed: ‘A massive thank you, I could not have done it without you, there’s a lot of bad things going on in the world but Children In Need reminds you there is more good’.

Jacqueline Jossa and Shane Ritchie were the only adults in the scene as Lauren Branning and Alfie Moon who watched on in shock and a furious, and tiny, Phil Mitchell stormed into the pub.

‘Sling your hook’ mini Kat shouted at the bald little boy, who was playing the role instead of Steve McFadden , leaving fans at home ‘laughing uncontrollably’

The expedition is Radio 2’s longest-ever, and most gruelling, BBC Children In Need challenge.

Prince William recorded a video message, which was played by Scott Mills on his Radio 2 breakfast show.

He said: ‘Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing.

‘You’re so nearly there, just a little bit further, and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs, and hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets.

‘Keep going, you’ve done fantastically well, and the nation’s so proud of you.’