BBC Comic Relief Big Night In fundraising TV show gets underway

The Big Night In has got underway with three hours of comedy and music set to raise millions for those hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis.

On the night Britain comes together to clap for the NHS, BBC One, Children in Need and Comic Relief are putting on a TV fundraiser to lift the nation’s spirits. 

The show is being presented live from The One Show studio in London by Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Matt Baker and Paddy McGuinness.   

The presenters kicked off the show by assuring viewers they and all their crew are observing social distancing. 

Stephen Fry reprised his role as Melchett in Blackadder to take a Zoom call with Prince William, who said homeschooling was a ‘bit of a nightmare’ and he is struggling without being able to watch EastEnders. 

The Duke of Cambridge then joined wife Kate and children George, Charlotte and Louis to clap for the NHS when the clock struck 8pm.   

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The star-studded line-up will feature musical performances by the likes of Sam Smith, Liam Payne and Rita Ora and comedy sketches from Miranda Hart and Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

Kicking off the programme Sir Lenny said: ‘It’s 7 O’Clock on Thursday, or is it Sunday? Who knows anymore, I’m just glad to be wearing trousers.’ 

Asked why Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear was absent, he joked he had been ‘furloughed’.  

While his co-host Davina McCall told viewers: ‘Put down that banana bread, stop that online quiz, and prepare to be entertained. 

In an earlier statement, Davina, 52, promised a ‘really special evening’, while Matt, 42, said it was ‘his honour’ to present the show. 

Paddy, 46, added: ‘I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to show my appreciation. Thank you to all the amazing key workers out there and our fantastic NHS.’    

Viewers will have the opportunity to donate, should they feel able to do so, to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis.

Funds raised tonight will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need.  

Chancellor Rishi Sunak, announced last week that the UK Treasury would match pound for pound any contributions the public raise on the show. 

He said in a clip recorded for the show: ‘Hi everyone, I know these are difficult times. Look we’re all worried, worried about our health, our friends our family.

‘But I also think we will look back and remember that at this time of crisis that we came together as a country.

‘We were there for each other and that’s what the Big Night In is all about, I am so grateful to everyone who has donated tonight and don’t forget that the government has pledged to match every pound you donate so please do give generously.

‘After all, what better way to mark four weeks of staying in and watching TV than well… staying in and watching TV. Enjoy the rest of the show and stay safe.’

Davina added that the first £20million of the matched money will go to the National Emergencies Trust that was launched by Prince William to help people all across the UK affected by the pandemic.

All matched funding after this amount will go to Children In and Comic Relief, she added.