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Wednesday 13th March: Presenting duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly completed the longest-ever Comic Relief Danceathon last night, raising an incredible total of £1,012,483 for vital causes.
The duo danced their final song – Destiny’s Child, Survivor at 7:20pm, making it over 24-hours since they kicked off their epic challenge. The entire challenge was followed across BBC Radio 2 and viewers were also able to watch on the BBC Red Button.
Dancing around the clock, Claudia and Tess were joined by family, friends and celebrity guests along the way, many of whom joined them on the dance floor to show off their own moves. Guests included Mary Berry, Ed Balls, Katya Jones, Rylan Clark-Neal, Susan Calman, Greg James, and Hugh Dennis, along with some surprise visits from Davina McCall and Jon Snow. There were also special performances from Beverley Knight, Fleur East, Andy Burrows, Calum Scott, Hair the musical, Mamma Mia the musical, the cast of Everybody Loves Jamie and Fisherman’s Friends.
Highlights across the challenge include:
News presenter Jon Snow stopped by for an impromptu dance to Madonna
Fleur East motivated the duo with an energised performance of her latest single Favourite Thing
Rylan Clark-Neal challenged presenter Jeremy Vine to an impressive dance-off, some of which can be viewed on the @bbcradio2 Twitter account
Mary Berry treated Claudia and Tess to some chocolate cake in the studio
Long-standing Comic Relief supporter Davina McCall surprised them on the dancefloor Ed Balls and Katya Jones revisited their Strictly days and Ed spoke about his recent Kilimanjaro climb for Comic Relief
Hugh Dennis paid a visit to show some love and chat about the work he’s done for Comic Relief
Anton Du Beke lifted spirits (and Claudia) as he twirled the pair around the dancefloor
Michael Ball bopped along while encouraging the duo to keep going
Star of RuPaul's Drag Race Jinkx Monsoon brought glitz and glamour to the studio
You can listen again to all interviews and highlights via BBC Sounds.
Thanks to the generosity of Claudia, Tess and the BBC Radio 2 listeners – they have managed to raise a fantastic amount of money that will help change countless lives. Comic Relief uses the money raised to help vulnerable and disadvantaged people both in the UK and around the world.
Claudia and Tess have seen first-hand how the public’s donations can help people having recently visited a Comic Relief funded project called RedThread - based at South London’s Major Trauma Centre and Accident and Emergency unit that supports young women (up to age 25) at a time of crisis as a result of mental health issues, violence and sexual assault. The funding by Comic Relief allows two youth workers to work alongside hospital staff to reach out to vulnerable young people, and help with practical activities such as housing, anger management, alcohol services and give long term holistic support.
For more information and to show your support visit comicrelief.com/danceathon
ENDS
ABOUT RED NOSE DAY 2019
Red Nose Day is back on Friday 15th March and this year Comic Relief is asking the nation to come together and make a difference to people’s lives both here in the UK and around the world.
It’s easy to get involved and have a great time. From workplace bake sales and fancy-dress fundraising in schools, to danceathons, quizzes and sponsored challenges, put on a Red Nose and do whatever you enjoy to raise life-changing cash.
The campaign culminates in a massive night of comedy and entertainment, live on the BBC, and all the money raised is used to improve countless lives.
Visit comicrelief.com/rednoseday or follow @ComicRelief on social media to stay updated on the latest Red Nose Day content, news and information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Red Nose Day Media Team:020 7820 2500media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)Press area07984510473 (out of hours only)
ABOUT COMIC RELIEF
Comic Relief is a UK charity with a simple purpose - to create a just world, free from poverty. Comic Relief does this by funding and investing in amazing organisations across the UK and around the world to tackle some of the key issues of our time. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1.25 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, to improve countless lives.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit comicrelief.com.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).
