Alex Jones, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Gemma Collins, Dame Joan Collins, Jonathan Bailey, Nick Grimshaw, Rosie Jones, and Simon Cowell answer Sir Lenny Henry’s call
to do something funny for money in a brand-new sketch released to mark the official launch of Red Nose Day 2024.
In the exclusive online sketch, Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry, picks up the phone to some of his famous friends to find out how they are going to do their bit
to raise life-changing money this Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday 15 March.
This who’s who of a sketch features the Queen of Birmingham and the
Hunniest of Huns, Alison Hammond toying with ways
she can do something hun-ey for
money and Bridgerton star, Jonathan Bailey taking on a 24-hour singing challenge, while Nick Grimshaw considers a sponsored silence for an episode of
his hit podcast series. Acting royalty Dame Joan Collins is going to new heights for Red Nose Day by taking on a sponsored skydive, while Simon Cowell is set to listen to his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden’s cover album for a whole week on
repeat. Plus, much more!
The never seen before sketch can be viewed on
YouTube
and hopes to inspire people across the country to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day and help spread joy, raise spirits, and much-needed funds.
Nick Grimshaw said:
“Red Nose Day is a special cause to me because I have such good memories of it – I just loved watching it on the tele when I was a kid and I
loved that feeling of everyone doing something together for the greater good. I liked the feeling of everyone at school being involved; everyone in your street being involved; everyone around the country all watching the same night of TV and donating.”
Red Nose Day returns at a difficult time for many – millions are facing impossible choices just to get by, and the impact of poverty, conflict and climate change is being
felt further and wider than ever before. It’s never felt more important to come together to support people in the UK and around the world that are struggling.
There are lots of ways to take part – whether it’s taking on a cake-baking or joke-making challenge, picking up some of the official Red Nose
Day merchandise, or joining the nation for a night of laughs – it’s an opportunity to get together, have a laugh and change lives.
Comic Relief is excited to reveal just a few ways the public can get involved and enjoy this year’s campaign…
The BBC One night of entertainment comes live from Salford on Friday 15 March as is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment. The unmissable evening of comedy, live performances,
and one-off surprises will be extra special this year as it will be the last time Sir Lenny will host the show.
For nearly four decades, Sir Lenny has been the leader of laughter
and united millions of people to raise over £1.5billion for Comic Relief so far, proving that comedy and compassion can change lives. Sir Lenny has decided that now is the time to see some new names take the presenter
reins, while he continues to support Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on other projects throughout the year.
Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry, said: “When we
first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today. I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered.
As Life President of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.”
Sir Lenny added: “Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living
crisis and people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling here and around the world. But we also know that the British public are brilliant – you’re so kind and generous, if somebody has a problem, you always want to help out. Without you, we couldn’t
do what we do. I’d love nothing more than if you joined me in getting involved this year. Let’s make it one to remember and show that having a laugh can actually make a world of difference. Do something funny for money, join me at The London Palladium, wear
your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you! Let’s go!”
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Sir
Lenny Henry has been the face of Comic Relief for nearly four decades and I would like to personally thank him for his incredible contribution, the way in which he has entertained and inspired the nation on the BBC cannot be overstated. Lenny’s commitment
has been awe-inspiring, he has been instrumental to its enduring appeal and shone a light on so many worthwhile causes using the power of comedy and laughter to raise millions of pounds. This year’s Red Nose Day will be his last on screen but it promises to
be extra special as we take the opportunity to mark his remarkable achievements on the night.”
To celebrate and say thank you to Sir Lenny, some of the nation’s favourite comedians will
take to the stage for a wild and wonderful one-off evening of live comedy, Comic Relief – Live at The London Palladium, on Monday 26 February. In homage to how Comic Relief began 39 years ago, the night of non-stop laughter will see Aisling Bea, Fatiha
El-Ghorri, Joel
Dommett, Rizwan, Rosie Jones
and Sara Pascoe unite with Sir Lenny to raise the roof and all-important money for Red Nose Day. Tickets are available now from
LW Theatres
and Ticketmaster.
