BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness is due to complete his epic Children In Need cycling challenge on Friday, after covering 300 miles on a Chopper bike.

The former Top Gear and Question of Sport presenter, 51, raked in almost £5.9million during his five-day trip from Wrexham to Glasgow.

Speaking on Thursday, he said he was “in pieces physically and emotionally” but thanked the public for the “outpouring of support”.

McGuinness will find out the total amount raised from his ultra-endurance challenge during this year’s Children in Need TV appeal, which begins at 19:00 GMT on Friday on BBC One.

McGuinness is expected to arrive at the finish line in Glasgow earlier today.

He was joined by Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy on Thursday and received messages of support from astronaut Tim Peake and his Phoenix Nights co-star Peter Kay, as well as hundreds of listeners.

In her message, Kay told him: “Cross the finish line and get yourself some nice garlic bread.” This is the way to Glasgowrilla! »

McGuinness’ fundraising total will rise significantly after Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter said he would double all donations made from Wednesday, up to a limit of £3 million sterling.

The Bolton-born star said he was motivated to take on the challenge by the people he met who were benefitting from projects funded by BBC Children in Need.

“When you meet these people…that’s what energizes you, and when you see the work that’s being done in and around it, and again, when you’re out and about, it’s just the people that stop me,” he said.

Last year, another Radio 2 presenter, Vernon Kay, raised more than £5 million for Children in Need. after completing his ultra-marathon.

The DJ ran from Leicester to Bolton – a distance of 116 miles – over four days.

Children in Need is the BBC’s charity for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Since its first major appeal in 1980, it has raised more than £1 billion for charities and projects.

Friday’s live entertainment extravaganza on BBC One will feature three hours of comedy, music and surprise guests.

Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey and Rochelle Humes will host the show, alongside Kay, Mel Giedroyc and Lenny Rush.

One of the most anticipated elements of this year’s appeal is a new version of Girls Aloud’s single, I’ll Stand By Youwith the lead vocals sung entirely by their late bandmate Sarah Harding.

The ballad was originally released as a Children In Need song in 2004 and topped the UK charts for two weeks. The 20th anniversary reissue will once again raise funds for the charity.

A new version of the clip, featuring never-before-seen archival footage, will be screened on Friday’s call-in show.

Other highlights of the evening included Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa previewing the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Doctor Who fans will have the chance to own memorabilia from the series when two items go up for auction.

There will also be a performance from singer Ella Henderson, while fellow pop star Kylie Minogue has recorded a special message which will be broadcast that evening.

Viewers can also expect a visit from the stars of Gladiators, as well as a special performance of Strictly Come Dancing as the professionals will be joined by TV character Bluey.

And actor Gary Oldman will read a CBeebies bedtime story, which will be broadcast as part of the show.

BBC Children in Need airs on Friday 15 November at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.