Red Nose Day 2023 - Everything you need to know about the Night of TV, sketches and presenters

Red Nose Day is BACK and it's coming LIVE from its home at Media City UK, Salford, on Friday 17 March from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer. So set your reminders for the UK's biggest night of comedy and entertainment!

The epic three-hour fundraising favourite will entertain the nation with hilarious sketches, live performances, big surprises and stunning music acts, whilst raising much-needed cash for good causes at home and across the world.

Joining David Tennant live from the studio will be Paddy McGuinness, Zoe Ball, Joel Dommett and AJ Odudu.

The big fundraising night of TV for Comic Relief is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for the BBC, commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios are Peter Davey and Colin Hopkins. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Katie Taylor.

MJ/EL

Night of TV Sketches

The Traitors

In a special parody of the hit psychological gameshow, The Traitors, a star-studded roundtable gathers to decide who should be banished. Claudia Winkleman (played by Dawn French) assembles the celebrity 'Faithful' and 'Traitors' for a discussion full of twists and turns. Which famous faces will be under the cloaks and who will be revealed as the ultimate Traitor?

Ghosts

Hit BBC sitcom Ghosts is back with a spook-tacular special for Red Nose Day, and they have a surprise guest… none other than global superstar Kylie Minogue!  When Kylie and her manager (played by Tanya Moodie) arrive at Button House to see if it's a suitable concert venue, the ghosts get the shock of their (after) lives.

Love Island

TONIGHT on Love Island, Comic Relief turns up the heat and the laughs by sending an unexpected BOMBSHELL into the villa. Expect Maya Jama slow-mos, sarcastic quips from Iain Stirling and a romantic trip to the hideaway.

Eurovision - The Audition Tapes

In this special sketch the UK may have found its Eurovision entrant for this year, but before the big night, our panel (Graham Norton, Lulu and Sam Ryder) will have to sit through aspiring celebrity auditions... of varying quality.

Baldrick's Bedtime Story for Comic Relief

We'll see the exclusive return of one of the nation's most beloved comedy characters - Baldrick - as he reads his very own 'Blackadder' Bedtime Story.

Appeal Films

During the Red Nose Day evening of entertainment, viewers will see how their donations could help to improve the lives of those who are struggling the most, both in the UK and around the world. A series of films shown during the show will tell the personal stories of people supported by Comic Relief projects and shine a much needed light on the impact in these challenging times, homelessness, mental health problems, human trafficking, the war in Ukraine and the food crisis in East Africa.

Prizes

During the night of entertainment, viewers will be given the chance to win a series of fantastic prizes, including a very special piece of British history.

Chris Evans' CarFest has generously donated an iconic 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate previously owned and driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, for an extraordinary Red Nose Day prize draw like no other. Presented in Emerald Fire, the Jaguar has Barley leather interior, and was designed by iconic car designer, Ian Callum. The impressive vehicle comes with a sunroof, automatic transmission, electric windows, climate control and a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. This once in a lifetime prize draw is not to be missed, and you can enter now at comicrelief.com/win

Chris Evans said: "I'm so grateful CarFest is able to support Comic Relief and I'm thrilled that we are able to donate this very special historic car, and so pleased to be able to share it with another enthusiast, especially for such an important cause."

Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: "We are enormously grateful to Chris Evans and CarFest for this generous donation for Red Nose Day - this truly is a prize like no other we have ever been able to offer our supporters. This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a real piece of history and will be such a special prize for the lucky winner. From homelessness to mental health problems to food poverty, the money raised will help people facing incredibly tough times in the UK and around the world. Huge thank you to everyone who enters."

When Comic Relief Did Big Brother (And things really kicked off!)

10pm, BBC Two & BBC iPlayer

In 2001, six celebrities entered the Big Brother house in aid of Comic Relief. It was eight days that had the nation hooked and helped raise millions of pounds. 22 years on since the original broadcast, winner Jack Dee and fellow housemates Vanessa Feltz, Claire Sweeney, Keith Duffy and Anthea Turner take a look back at this extraordinary moment in television history. From dancing in underpants to Vanessa writing on the furniture and Jack Dee's great escape, revisit where celebrity reality TV was born.

Comic Relief: The Best of the Best Bits

10.40pm, BBC One & BBC iPlayer

Comic Relief turns 35 this year and we're donning our retro-spectacles for some Red Nose-talgia and ransacking the BBC archives for some of the very best bits from Red Nose Day history! Expect some classic sketches, star cameos, one-off specials; prime ministers, A-listers, legends joining the doyennes, divas, rogues and rascals from the top table of British comedy talent in this giddy 60-minute rampage through three and a half daft decades of fun and fundraising.

Additional Programmes

Emma, Oti and Rylan's Big Red Nose Day Challenge

Emma, Oti and Rylan's Big Red Nose Day Challenge reveals every step and struggle of Emma Willis, Oti Mabuse and Rylan's turbulent trek to the top of Cairn Gorm Mountain in the wintry Scottish Highlands to raise life-changing money for Red Nose Day. 

From wild camping and crampons, to punishing winds and terrain, viewers will see the celebrity trio face the toughest physical challenge of their lives. Airing on Tuesday 14thMarch at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer, a special one-hour documentary, produced by Twofour, captures every moment of their journey as they battle dangerous weather and freezing temperatures. 

Setting off in high spirits from the picturesque village of Braemar, the trio are given a rapturous send-off to the beat of the Ballater & District Pipe Band. Leaving civilisation behind, they navigate the foothills of the Southern Cairngorms, and wild camp as they inch closer to the foot of Cairn Gorm. 

With dangerous weather conditions fast approaching the Cairngorms, viewers will see the drama unfold as the trio's summit attempt is put in jeopardy. With the challenge hanging by a thread, crisis talks between the expedition team determine whether the fast-deteriorating conditions, which could pose a danger to life, will stop the devastated trio's journey in its tracks. Emma, Rylan and Oti wait with bated breath, determined to finish their extraordinary journey to raise money for Red Nose Day. 

Watch Emma, Oti and Rylan's Big Red Nose Day Challenge will air on BBC Oneand iPlayeron Tuesday 14 March at 9pm.

Red Peter

In a historical first, the much-loved children's TV show Blue Peter will become Red Peter on Friday 17 March, the day of this year's Red Nose Day.

The special episode will not only see the iconic blue turn to red but the Blue Peter team will be pulling out all the stops to make it a jam-packed Red Nose Day extravaganza not to miss, with world record attempts, challenges, musical performances and much, much more.

Red Peter will air on Friday 17 March, on CBBC and iPlayer at 5pm.

Where The Money Goes

Red Nose Day returns at a time of great uncertainty and worry for many across the nation in these challenging times. Times are difficult, but we know millions of people in the UK and across the world need our support now more than ever.

Donations to Red Nose Day will fund projects that are directly helping people in the UK and around the world through the toughest times of their lives. This includes supporting people who are struggling in these challenging times and tackling issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food poverty. A portion of money raised throughout the Red Nose Day campaign will also go towards the emergency response to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donations will help to fund organisations providing essential support including blankets, food, water and medical supplies.

Donation Details

To find out how you can get involved in Red Nose Day and to order your free fundraising pack, visit bbc.co.uk/rednoseday

No matter what you can give, your donation can make a big difference. You can donate to Comic Relief's Red Nose Day campaign by visiting bbc.co.uk/rednoseday

Q&A with some of the Night of TV Presenters

AJ Odudu

Why is supporting Comic Relief so special to you?

I've always been aware of the incredible work that Comic Relief does - it's one of those shows that I've watched since I was a little girl. It's such a joyous charity and an incredible way to make money for many causes that are close to my heart, but especially right now with food poverty and mental health support needed more than ever.

What are your fondest memories of Comic Relief?

Getting to stay up late as a little girl to watch the show! We were always calling in to donate and that feeling like a really special thing to do. At school it would always be a big thing as well... non-uniform day, people baking cakes, we'd get to wear our noses in class! It was always really fun and silly - I love the humour around Comic Relief and Red Nose Day.

Do you have any pre-show routines you do before hosting the live show?

The routine is literally - whack on some music, put on some make up, get a fancy frock on, take some pics and we're good to go! Music and glam is all we need!

In one sentence, how would you describe this year's appeal show?

Full of surprises, lots of fun and of course lots of heartfelt moments to show everyone how their money can help. where the money goes

Finally, can you tell us a joke?

Why is Santa good at Karate? He has a black belt!

Joel Dommett

What can you tell us about this year's appeal night show?

We have SO MUCH planned! The names included are truly unbelievable. I'm really excited to be a part of the team and hold the fort for the first few hours!

Why is supporting Comic Relief so special to you?

It's such a huge part of British television and raises an incredible amount of money for some incredible causes. I remember watching it when I was young and the fact that I'm a part of it now blows my tiny mind!

What are your fondest memories of Comic Relief?

I just remember it looking so much fun. It brings the country together with one common aim - to raise LOADS OF MONEY. The sketches are always incredible - some of my faves are the James Corden sketch with the England team, David Tennant being the teacher with Catherine Tate and the music videos are always so good.

Do you have any pre-show routine you do before hosting the live show?

Not really! Just relax, have fun... and keep saying to myself DON'T MESS IT UP!

In one sentence, how would describe this year's appeal show?

HUGE!

Finally, can you tell us a joke?

Why are DJs so persistent? They don't TECHNO for an answer.

Zoe Ball

What can you tell us about this year's appeal night show?

Well David Tennant is in charge and that's the closest I'll ever get to being the Doctor's assistant so I'm pretty hyped about that. Also, I'm with Paddy McGuiness and it's St Patrick's day so there will be shenanigans for sure.

I've been told lots of the epic things that are happening but I'm scared to say in case I ruin any surprises....

Why is supporting Comic Relief so special?

So many people are in need of support both in the UK and around the world, more so than ever before, and it's important we do what we can to spread the word and help out. I've seen how far the money raised can go in helping with support. It's pretty awesome that people are always wanting to help their fellow neighbours & communities.

What are your fondest memories of Comic Relief?

I love the big sketches and parodies, when your fave folk from comedy, telly and music are happy to laugh at themselves for a great cause. This year there is a show on BBC One and iPlayer of some of the best ever Comic Relief moments from across the years and it's such a fabulous flashback.

Do you have any pre-show routine you do before hosting the live show?

Brush all my teeth, have a last min panic wee and try to remember to breathe. I love working with David and Paddy as they make it so fun and we're in front of a live audience in Salford which will be epic as anything can happen...

In one sentence, how would describe this year's appeal show?

MAMMOTH, ICONIC & ORGANISED CHAOS most importantly it's for a great cause.

Finally, can you tell us a joke?

I asked my gym trainer if he could teach me to do the splits.

He said how flexible are you?

I said "I can't make Tuesdays....."

or

Doctor help me I can't stop singing What's New Pussycat!

The doc said ahhh you've got Tom Jones Syndrome

I said is it common?

He said "it's not unusual"

Paddy McGuinness

What can you tell us about this year's appeal night show?

For the first time ever Dad's not there to keep an eye on us! It'll be so strange without Sir Lenny but, from what I've heard, there are going to be some amazing things planned for the night.

What does the charity mean to you? Why did you want to be involved with Red Nose Day?

It means everything. From being a fan and getting involved before I worked in TV to now hosting and trying to make a positive difference to people's lives.

What are your fondest memories of Comic Relief?

I remember being at the side of Sir Lenny when the auto cue stopped working, slap bang in the middle of a live record. That got the auld heart pumping!

Do you have any pre-show routine you do before hosting the live show?

A mild panic attack followed by BAFTA worthy acting that I'm completely calm.

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