His former co-host Gaby Roslin, who fronted the telethon for 10 years, also attended the firm's Vintage Vegas ball at Savile Hall, at the Royal Armouries.

The ball aimed to raise more than £150,000 for Children in Need, which will go towards Asda's £3m fundraising target for this year's appeal.

Around 900 Asda workers and suppliers attended the glittering bash, which also saw a visit from an old favourite – Pudsey bear.

Sir Terry, who has hosted the telethon since it started in 1980, even let slip a little secret to the Yorkshire Evening Post – that Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly will be his new co-host.

He said: "I lose a glamourous blonde every couple of years and then I gain another. But unfortunately for the public, I'm the one who hangs on.

"I'm here because Asda are such fantastic supporters of Children in Need and they've raised millions of pounds for the cause.

"Hosting Children in Need is the most important thing I do and it's the most important thing the BBC does.

"I feel very privileged to do it and I will do it until they drag me away, kicking and screaming."

This year's Children in Need appeal, which aims to raise more than £40m to help disadvantaged youngsters in the UK, will be held on November 14.