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 thousands 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, who kicked off the show by assuring viewers all the crew are observing social distancing, will appear alongside a host of celebrity guests, including Peter Kay, Catherine Tate and Gary Barlow. 

The star-studded show will feature musical acts, money can’t buy prizes, comedy sketches and lots more surprises.

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.’ 

While his co-host Davina McCall told viewers: ‘So 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 on the night 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.  

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