Telethon 2024 live: Follow along as Aussie celebrities bring you 26 hours of entertainment

Rio Tinto has just donated a whopping $5.5 million boosting the total count to $6,426,280

The energy inside RAC Arena is electric, but before the doors even opened the excitement had reached a fever-pitch outside.

Hundreds of buzzing fans lined up ahead of the bonanza decked out in their best pyjamas and carrying Fat Cat teddies.

West Aussie parents were among those who said they were most excited to teach their children about generosity and the gift of giving.

It’s Samantha Wardell’s first year attending Telethon as a mother, bringing her two children Sophia, 10, and Tate, 9, with her to carry on the family tradition.

“Just seeing my kids experience what I watched as kid. I’m excited for them to see the excitement and see what it’s all about,” Ms Wardell said.

It hits close to home for the Wardell family — Tate was in and out of hospital as a young child due to a kidney reflux condition.

“My son has been in hospital a number of times when he was younger, so it’s nice for them to see what goes on behind the scenes sometimes and the hard work that goes into making sure these kids get the care they need,” Ms Wardell said.

“I just feel like it brings everyone together and it’s a nice community environment and a nice feeling.”

Sophia and Tate said they were most excited to see Guy Sebastian, while Ms Wardell was a huge fan of “anything” Home and Away.

Melissa Kopp and her daughter Hayley said Telethon was a cause close to their heart and they attend every year.

“When my nephew was 14, he actually passed away from leukaemia, so it’s a big cause for us,” Ms Kopp said.

“It feels awesome to be here, it’s a good cause.”

Another aunty embracing the Telethon spirit, Olivia Blazevich said she loved Telethon for its positive, happy vibes.

She hopes her niece and nephew take away the gift of giving after it’s all said and done.

“They should learn to always look after everyone and always donate as much as you can, a little bit goes a long way,” Ms Blazevich said.

Rob Mills and Better Homes and Gardens star Rob Palmer had heaps to catch up about in the Green Room backstage.

Palmer has just finished up a celebrated run playing Edna Turnblatt in a recent performance of Hairspray - Millsy is famously a musical theatre pro.

“You played Edna?” he said incredulously.

“I was Corny Collins!”

So is there any chance Palmer will reprise his role — which John Travolta famously played in the movie version of the show — for Telethon?

“I’d love to, but there’s a lot involved — hours in makeup,” he said of getting into drag for the iconic character, which is always played by men in stage productions.

“I really, really enjoyed playing Edna, and I loved doing the Baltimorean accent.”

The singer has returned to the stage to perform Bon Jovi’s hit song Someday I’ll be Saturday.

Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford is speaking to members of the audience at RAC Arena but was met with silence when he asked who barracks for the Hawks.

The Sunrise host will take to the stage tonight for a top-secret Lip Sync.

We’ve caught a sneak peak, and it’s epic!

“When I got (told) the song, I was just happy I didn’t have to get in my tighty whiteys like last year!

Matt, and his Sunrise co-star Natalie Barr, are in Perth for a lightning-fast visit.

They are heading home to Sydney late on Sunday, and will be back presenting Sunrise live on air on Monday morning.

It will be an action-packed few days.

“We’re doing the first panel tonight, then when we’re in the phone room, and we’ve got the lip sync as well.

“Then tomorrow, we’re doing another panel, and we’re hosting a little game.

“Then we fly out on Sunday night - we have to be back on air in Sydney on Monday morning. “

Oof, something tells us they’ll be needing a LOT of coffee!

So far generous Australians have donated $409, 682!

Kelly Dalglish, who has volunteered in the call centre in the past, has brought her daughters Lexi and Lola to Telethon for the first time.

“Now they’re old enough to understand it, that’s why I’m bringing them,” Ms Dalglish said.

“I’m excited for them more than anything to be involved.

“They’ve all got their bit of money to donate, so I’m excited for them to experience that gift of giving because it’s an important part, teaching them that there are others less fortunate.”

Ms Dalglish also said she loved that Telethon was WA-owned.

“We do it really well and we look after our own.”

Lexi and Lola said they were most excited to donate, dance, and see Guy Sebastian.

Musician Guy Sebastian is back on stage, captivating the audience with a beautiful rendition of No Reason To Stay