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It’s time for the UK to come together and make a difference – together we have the power to change lives
Red Nose Day is back on Friday 18th March
Harry Judd, Hugh Bonneville, Jamie Demetriou, Dame Joanna Lumley, Lee Ridley, Mr Blobby, Oti Mabuse, and Rosie Jones star in new comedy sketch with Sir Lenny Henry to celebrate the fantastic fundraisers who make Red Nose Day so special
The exclusive sketch available on YouTube (opens in new window)hopes to inspire people up and down the country to make a difference, no matter how big or small
David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness, Sir Lenny Henry and Zoe Ball have been revealed as the hosts of the BBC One night of entertainment
The One Show’s The Red Nose and Spoon race will return tougher than ever and with two brand new team captains
Celebs will compete in the iconic Glow Up studios to become Britain’s First Celeb Make Up Star in a one-off Red Nose Day special hosted by Maya Jama
Five stars will read to the nation in an exclusive series of CBeebies’s Bedtime Stories
Tim Vine and Kiri Pritchard-McLean will attempt sheep dog training for Countryfile
Some of the official Red Nose Day merchandise is now on sale in Sainsbury’s and online at comicrelief.com/rndshop(opens in new window)
Much more to be announced over the coming weeks
Money raised will help support vital life changing work, tackling issues including homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and mental health problems in the UK and around the world
Find out more at comicrelief.com/rednoseday
Wednesday 2nd February 2022: Harry Judd, Hugh Bonneville, Jamie Demetriou, Dame Joanna Lumley, Lee Ridley, Mr Blobby, Oti Mabuse, and Rosie Jones are just a few of the familiar faces who feature in a brand-new sketch released today to mark the launch of Red Nose Day 2022, which returns on Friday 18th March.
In the exclusive new online sketch, viewers will see Sir Lenny Henry set out to make an inspirational movie about the wonderful people who make Red Nose Day so special, the amazing fundraisers up and down the country, but word gets out to some of Comic Relief’s well-known friends and the audition tapes start rolling in.
Those who feature in the sketch hoping to bag themselves a role in the new movie include Dame Joanna Lumley, Ellie Taylor, Harry Judd, Hugh Bonneville, Jamie Demetriou, Jamie Laing, Jayde Adams, Lee Ridley, Mr Blobby, Oti Mabuse, Phil Wang, Riyadh Khalaf, Rosie Jones, Sir Lenny Henry and Vick Hope. Unfortunately, to Sir Lenny’s dismay, they all take their audition a little too far...
Voiced by Graham Norton, the never seen before sketch which can be viewed on YouTube(opens in new window), aims to celebrate the incredible endeavours of those who fundraise and donate to Red Nose Day, as they are the ones who make life changing work possible in the UK and around the world.
Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry, said: "The spirit of Red Nose Day is for everyone to get involved and to get the vibe of helping someone else that they don't know, it's always been that and what could be better?"
“I've been inspired by so many people and its usually members of the public who do extraordinary things. I'm always amazed by how dedicated and passionate the people that run the projects are - both in the developing world and in this country – to help better the lives of so many. So, to anybody who has fundraised to support these life changing projects, I personally thank you because we wouldn't be able to do this stuff without you guys. You are the people that inspire me."
The famous faces have rallied together to show their support, discussing the joy of Red Nose Day and what it means to them.
Dame Joanna Lumley said: “I love Red Nose Day and I love everything it does. I love the people who raise money for Comic Relief, whether they participate in doing something, whether they buy something or whether they just donate money, they are giving everything they possibly can to help people. It’s fantastic. I was so honoured to be asked to be involved in Red Nose Day and I want this year to be big, because times have been so dark and strange, let’s make this one fabulous!"
Jamie Demetriou said: "Red Nose Day has been such a constant and positive presence in my life since I was a kid. Being asked to be involved for another year just felt like such a natural thing to do and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to show my continued support for a charity that funds such life-changing work."
Oti Mabuse said: The thing I love so much about Red Nose Day is that it supports so many incredible causes and the money helps thousands of families, not only in the UK but around the world. I come from South Africa and I've seen poverty first-hand but knowing that even just a little bit - whether £5 or £100 - goes a long way, shows just how much every donation can help make a difference to those who need it most."
Rosie Jones said: “I’m so proud to support Red Nose Day – it puts comedy at the heart of everything it does and raises money for such important causes. There are not many charities that I’d dress up as a banana for! Well, I actually loved every second of it so maybe that’s not quite true. But seriously, the money raised will help so many people, and one of the issues they focus on is mental health and reducing stigma, which I care passionately about. Making the film was great fun and hope you all enjoy it."
With lots of exciting plans in store, today Red Nose Day is excited to reveal just a few of the ways the public can get involved and enjoy this year’s campaign...
David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness, Sir Lenny Henry and Zoe Ball will be hosting the big Red Nose Day night of TV which will hit screens live on BBC One on Friday 18th March. The show will be broadcast from Salford for the very first time, live from the biggest multi-camera purpose-built TV studio in the UK, the perfect place to broadcast a night of unmissable night of hilarious comedy, special sketches, fun and much, much more.
Britain’s best-loved dog trial will be given a Red Nose Day twist as comedians Tim Vine and Kiri Pritchard-McLean head to the Welsh countryside to take on Countryfile’s iconic One Red Nose and Their Dog competition. The challenge will see the comedians put their newfound sheepdog skills to the test in a bid to be crowned the champions in the one-off special set to air in March, with the winner revealed on the Red Nose Day BBC One night of TV.
The One Show’s Red Nose and Spoon Race is back and bigger than ever. Two teams will battle it out to be crowned winners of the physically demanding four-day race that not only tests their fitness but also their hand eye coordination as they aim to keep the nose on their spoons and raise as much money as possible for Red Nose Day. Two brand new captains will guide their teams, with exactly who to be revealed on The One Show in a few weeks’ time.
In March, five stars will become Glow Up Make-Up Artists (MUAs), competing in the iconic Glow Up studios and beyond to become Britain’s First Celeb Make-Up Star for Comic Relief. In this Red Nose Day special one-hour episode, the celebrity MUAs will be given the same treatment as the competing MUAs in the full series. Under the watchful eye of two of the biggest names in the make-up world, Val Garland and Dominic Skinner, they will be set a real-world make-up industry assignment and creative briefs against the clock. Maya Jama returns as host and the iconic Dame Zandra Rhodes joins Val and Dominic to help oversee the make-up artistry as a guest judge. The celebrity names will be revealed in due course.
Five stars will lull the nation to sleep reading a handpicked story close to their heart in the first ever Red Nose Day series of the popular CBeebies’s Bedtime Stories – names to be revealed soon.
The official Red Nose Day merchandise range returns with the 100% plastic free, plant-based Red Nose back for a second year, and this time there are eight characters to collect. And that’s not all, the range also offers a selection of cuddly soft toys, must-have mugs and stylish reusable water bottles. If you choose to show your support items, are available in Sainsbury’s stores, sainsburys.co.uk(opens in new window), argos.co.uk(opens in new window) and on comicrelief.com/rndshop(opens in new window).
Bag yourself a Red Nose Day chari-tee. TK Maxx have teamed up with eleven awesome artists to create a gorgeous collection of t-shirts. The limited-edition Red Nose Day collection also includes aprons, tote bags, notebooks, tea towels, prints, greetings cards and art cards. Shop the full collection in store at TK Maxx and online at tkmaxx.com(opens in new window), the homeware products will also be available in store at Homesense.
Money raised by Red Nose Day will support vital life changing work in the UK and around the world which includes tackling homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
From daring dress-uppers and brilliant bakers to simply getting your hands on some of the official Red Nose Day official, there are countless ways for people across the UK to get involved this year and to help make a difference, no matter how big or small. To find out more and for lots of fantastic fundraising ideas, visit: www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday.
ENDS
MORE QUOTES:
Harry Judd said: "Red Nose Day really holds a close place in my heart and I’m so pleased to be a part of it again this year. Me and my band McFly were lucky enough to do the Comic Relief single back in 2005 with 'All About You' and I've seen first-hand what a huge difference donations make. We had such a laugh making this sketch and I'm so happy to be able to help raise awareness for an amazing cause, and it's a bonus to have loads of fun in the process."
Jamie Laing said: "The reason I love Red Nose Day is because it's full of fun, it's exciting, it's nostalgic and it's been a wonderful thing to be a part of over the years. Red Nose Day really does help to bring about change and focuses on some of the most important issues of our time, which is why I feel lucky enough to be able to show my support again this year and I can't wait to see everything planned for the 2022 campaign."
Joel Dommett said: “I’m so proud to be working with Red Nose Day this year! It’s a legendary part of the television landscape and I’ve grown up watching it so to be involved is a dream come true! Red Nose Day raises huge amounts of cash for some brilliant causes, whilst helping spread happiness to communities that need it most."
Riyadh Khalaf said: "I was thrilled to be involved with Red Nose Day – it’s a mixture of fun, silliness and most importantly, helps so many. Every year we get to hear some of the incredible stories from people who are supported by life-changing donations. Mental Health Awareness is close to my heart, having been through my own struggles in the past, so knowing that funds raised will support projects that focus on this area makes my heart so full."
Vick Hope said: "I always feel so honoured to be involved with Comic Relief, I've taken part in some amazing projects to help raise awareness over the years and I'll always remember Red Nose Day being such an exciting day when I was at school. It's so brilliant to have a bit of a laugh, have fun, be silly but also make a difference at the same time - and that's how it should be. I'm really excited for this year and it feels very special to feature in this sketch."
Andy, London-based fundraiser, said: “I have always believed in the power of positivity - if you can get people laughing, then that makes their day instantly better. The work that Comic Relief does is all about helping improve the lives of those in need – what better way to do it than through humour. That is why I am calling on people to support Red Nose Day 2022 in any way they can."
Rae, Hertfordshire-based fundraiser, said: “Comic Relief ticks so many boxes of causes which are personal to me and my family and I wanted to help. You can help too by supporting Comic Relief and fundraising for Red Nose Day this year. For me it’s been amazing to give back to charities and help be the change after they helped me so much throughout my recovery. Small amounts, large amounts, it all adds up to make a big difference."
Mother of Kent-based fundraiser Willow, Stacey, said: “When you have a child who can struggle with even the most basic things, it makes you so proud to see her achieve a feat like this. We only expected to raise a couple of hundred pounds, but Willow raised £8,170 in total for Comic Relief last year. Red Nose Day is such a fun and a brilliant charity for families to get behind. You just don’t know where your fundraising will end up. Get involved!"
ASSETS AVAILABLE
Images available here(opens in new window)
Sketch – short sketch on YouTube (opens in new window)featuring celebrity supporters and fundraisers to celebrate the incredible endeavours of those who fundraise and donate to Red Nose Day
Quotes from – Dame Joanna Lumley, Harry Judd, Hugh Bonneville, Jamie Demetriou, Jamie Laing, Joel Dommett, Oti Mabuse, Riyadh Khalaf, Rosie Jones, Vick Hope and Sir Lenny Henry. We also have quotes from Comic Relief fundraisers, Andy, Rae and Willow’s Mum, Stacey
Photos
Selection of images of Dame Joanna Lumley, Ellie Taylor, Harry Judd, Hugh Bonneville, Jamie Demetriou, Jamie Laing, Jayde Adams, Mr Blobby, Oti Mabuse, Phil Wang, Riyadh Khalaf, Rosie Jones, Sir Lenny Henry and Vick Hope
Images of Tim Vine and Kiri Pritchard-Mclean training for Countryfile
Images of fundraisers Andy, Rae and Willow (with Mum, Stacey)
Images of Glow Up judges Dame Zandra Rhodes, Dominic Skinner and Val Garland
Case studies – for more info, quotes and pics of case studies available on request
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Red Nose Day Media Team:
020 7820 2500
media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
www.comicrelief.com/media-centre(opens in new window)
Out of hours enquiries: 07984 510 473
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Comic Relief Comic Relief raises money to support people living incredibly tough lives. Through humour and stories of hope, we’ve shown that people can make a massive difference. We fund hundreds of amazing organisations who are working on the ground to support the most vulnerable people and communities in society including many of those hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. This includes vulnerable children and young people, people who are homeless or who have been forced to flee their homes, women and families at risk of domestic abuse and those struggling with existing or new mental health problems.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please www.comicrelief.com(opens in new window) Comic Relief, which is the operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
About Red Nose Day 2022 Red Nose Day is back on Friday 18th March 2022 and hopes to inspire people across the UK to make a difference, no matter how big or small. This Red Nose Day, we want to remind people that they have the power to change lives.
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health.
Visit https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/ or follow @ComicRelief on social media for the latest Red Nose Day content, news and information.
Red Nose Day is an annual fundraising campaign run by Comic Relief. Comic Relief, which is the operating name of Charity Projects, is registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
