Celebrities team up again as Red Nose Day returns

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-before-seen 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 who 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.

“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, and 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, Mawaan 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.

Fans can also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access with TikTok creator, Sarel, who will go live on Comic Relief’s TikTok channel before the show. They can also help raise money whilst they watch the build-up to Comic Relief – Live at The London Palladium, by sending a series of limited-edition Red Nose Gifts on TikTok LIVE, launched today with a donation made by TikTok for every Gift sent. 

Rosie Jones said:

“Supporting Red Nose Day is so important to me because it does so many great things for people all around the world, it brings people together and I’m proud to be a part of it. This year, I’m excited to be taking part in Comic Relief – Live at The London Palladium to celebrate the amazing Sir Lenny Henry. We’ll be joined by so many amazing comedians to raise some money for an amazing cause, so I hope you’re coming. Tickets are available right now, so, buy them, go on!”

A brand-new plant-based Red Nose range guaranteed to raise smiles as well as life-changing money is available now with free one-day delivery for all customers on Amazon, the official home of the Red Nose. This year’s Red Noses promise to be the funniest bunch yet as for the first time they tell jokes. Each Nose comes with a QR code that takes you to the Red Nose Day Joke Generator, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, which reels off joke after joke to make you smile. There are four fun characters to collect as well as a limited edition rare ‘Gold’ Nose, all of which can be recycled at home for the very first time. Some of the stars modelling the little Red Nose that makes a really big difference include Jayde Adams, Self Esteem, Tommy Jessop and Vick Hope.

This year’s official Red Nose Day T-shirt and sweatshirt collection from TK Maxx features the much-loved characters from the iconic Aardman family. From Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to Morph and Feathers McGraw, the colourful new range is available for both adults and children in TK Maxx stores and online at tkmaxx.com.

The Red Nose that Grows, a 100% composable Red Nose Wildflower Seedbom™ that will transform into beautiful wildflowers bringing fun and joy to homes or gardens, is available to buy in Holland & Barrett from 7 February and from comicrelief.com/shop now.

And publishing 8 February, available online or wherever books are sold, is Little People, BIG DREAMS: Lenny Henry. The perfect Red Nose Day read for school or for home tells Sir Lenny Henry’s inspiring story of courage and goodwill from his early use of comedy at school to his co-founding of Comic Relief, as well as his vital and continued work to promote diversity in the arts. 50p from each book sold will be donated to Comic Relief.

Much more will be announced over the coming weeks.

Money raised by Red Nose Day could help to put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict and climate change. When people come together, great things can happen, which is what Red Nose Day is all about.

Red Nose Day returns on Friday 15 March. Find out how to get involved at www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday.