TV and radio star Paddy McGuinness fell silent on the radio this afternoon as he continues his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

The former host of Top Gear and Take Me Out is in the middle of a 300-mile cycling feat that will see him travel from Wrexham in Wales to the finish line in Glasgow, Scotland.

Paddy, who hosts a Sunday morning show on BBC Radio 2, is undertaking the challenge on his dream childhood bike, the Raleigh Chopper.

(Image: BBC) Paddy McGuinness does Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need – donate at www.bbc.co.uk/paddy 

Today, the 51-year-old set off at 7.20am from Kendal for day three of the challenge.

This afternoon, he briefly got off his Chopper to chat to fellow Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills who told Paddy: "I just want you to know that you're doing an amazing job. Everyone is with you.

"Just hang on in there because I know today is an emotional day for you and I know it's the toughest one. I know you're putting a brave face on."

Paddy, father to twins Leo and Penelope and daughter Felicity, went silent when Scott said, 'I know you're missing your own kids today'. After a few seconds of silence, the proud Boltonian choked back tears and replied: "Don't start, I'm here, you just stopped me from talking, don't start me off. I've been bloody crying all day. Don't start me now Scott."

After apologising to a clearly emotional Paddy, Scott then went on to reveal that he has so far raised an incredible £1,230,932 for Children in Need.

The TV star started cycling during Zoe Ball's breakfast show on Monday and he is aiming to finish this Friday morning, by which point he will have travelled through – Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire.

(Image: BBC)

Paddy also told Scott and the millions of Radio 2 listeners: "I'm surrounded by people so there's loads of love. I've got a bowl of hot soup.

"I left Penrith and I cannot explain to you how many people... the streets were lined, it was like a Royal visit! I was like, is this for me?!

"I have never experienced anything like that in my life. It was wonderful."

BBC Children In Need will air at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Friday, November 15.

A behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing McGuinness’s journey called Paddy: The Ride of My Life will air on November 19 from 8-9pm on BBC One.