BBC Children in Need fans issue the same complaint as Sarah Harding segment 'cut short'

BBC Children in Need viewers were left less than thrilled on Friday night as the charity event seemed to cut short Girls Aloud's special rendition of "Stand By You" featuring the late Sarah Harding.

The group re-issued their popular single for the sake of the fundraiser, but fans were discontented when only a snippet was shown rather than the complete song, sparking a backlash on social media platforms.

Sarah's bandmates played a heartfelt role in presenting the clip, with Kimberly Walsh emotionally stating: "This is Stand by You, Sarah's version, the official Children in Need 2024 single, and it is dedicated tonight to our Sarah."

She continued with a touching tribute: "We miss you, and we love you."

However, after playing a short clip of the song, it soon cut back to the hosts in the studio - and fans weren't happy about it.

Audiences voiced their dismay via X, where one viewer questioned: "Didn't play the whole song. Anyone know the reason? I guess so it's not uploaded to YouTube and the socials donation free. #childreninneed," reports .

A disgruntled fan expressed: "SO CHILDREN IN NEED DECIDED TO CUT OFF SARAHS VERSION OF I STAND BY YOU #ChildrenInNeed."(sic)

Another added: "That's all I had been waiting for, really disappointed that they cut it so short. #childreninneed #bbcchildreninneed."

Some accused the show of disrespect, with a comment reading: "#childreninneed should have played the full song totally disrespectful towards the late great Sarah."

Continuing the chorus of frustration, one remarked: "Well stand by you girls aloud (Sarah's version) the music video was cut short. Should have heard more of it #childreninneed."

However, among the disgruntlement, some fans found joy in the tribute, with a heartfelt message shared: "#childreninneed beautiful version of I'll stand by you from @GirlsAloud still miss sarah so much!"

Luckily for fans, at the end of the programme, they played the song in full along with a montage of clips from Children in Need.

Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey, and Lenny Rush were at the helm as they presented a three-hour extravaganza on Friday evening.

For the past few weeks, stars have rallied around to support charitable causes, with Paddy McGuinness among the frontrunners.

The TV host was visibly moved to tears today after completing his grueling 300-mile bike ride for charity from Wales to Scotland.

Having conquered his enormous challenge, Paddy expressed: "Every morning when I woke up everything was aching and it was always dark and cold but I've been saying it for the last few days, when you get on the bike, and you get on the road and everyone comes out it just spurs you on."

"Even though we're filming stuff and putting things on social media; until you're actually in that moment, I will never be able to get it across fully what it felt like.

"All the different sounds, all the cities, all the communities. Everyone came out and everyone were together for something. And all those faces, all the kids, all the nurseries, all the primary schools, all drawing pictures of Patch - none of them had a clue who I were - but it was just so beautiful to see and the streets were lined with people.

"Honestly it's a moment in time I'll take with me to my grave. I'll never ever forget it. It's been amazing."

Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.