The greatest names on the UK music scene joined forces for BBC‘s fundraiser Big Night In on Thursday, in support of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Dua Lipa led the singers in delivering a passionate performance of Foo Fighters’ 2003 classic Times Like These as part of Radio 1’s biggest ever Live Lounge with the band’s head vocalist Dave Grohl, as well as fellow pop princesses Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding.
The one-off special, hosted by Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness and Matt Baker, was held as a joint effort from Comic Relief and Children in Need to raise money for charity amid the global crisis.
Leading the way: Dua Lipa delivered a passionate performance of Foo Fighters’ 2003 classic Times Like These as part of BBC Radio 1’s biggest ever Live Lounge for the broadcaster’s fundraiser Big Night In on Thursday
One Kiss artist Dua, 24, belted the timely lyrics to the American rock band’s track, which was originally released as part of their fourth studio album, One by One.
Going make-up free for her pared-back appearance, the songstress recorded her set from home, while Hot Right Now hitmaker Rita, 29, performed from a studio room, and Starry Eyed singer Ellie, 33, took to her guitar.
The leading ladies were also joined by artists Mabel, Paloma Faith, Jess Glynne, Sean Paul, Hailee Steinfeld, Rag’n’Bone Man, AJ Tracey, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Anne-Marie, Bastille, Biffy Clyro, Royal Blood, YUNGBLUD and Zara Larsson, with the sensational set rounded off by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Following the epic singalong, Dua stressed the importance of ‘connecting with friends and family’ amid the nation’s lockdown.
Star-studded: Hot Right Now hitmaker Rita Ora, 29, performed from a studio room, and Starry Eyed singer Ellie Goulding, 33, took to her guitar
Special moment: The UK net profits from the charity single will be combined with any funds raised by The Big Night In and split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief (Mabel pictured singing while cradling her pet dog)
The New Rules singer told host Zoe: ‘First of all, it’s such an incredible song. It’s been important to connect with friends and family.
‘This way it has been so special to see so many artists get together and make it seem so seamless, like we’re in the same room. Everyone working so hard in wanting to create something so special, it’s amazing.’
Dave, 51, shared his delight at being approached to feature in the showcase, revealing: ‘Well I had very little to do with it, I got the call a few weeks ago that BBC wanted to put together this project.
‘I was so flattered that they would use one of our songs and get together with these artists, I got so emotional. It’s one of the biggest musical moments in my life. I wrote it at a strange time in my life, where I was scared but hopeful. This is huge for me.’
The Stay Home Live Lounge was produced by Grammy and Ivor Novello award-winning producer Fraser T. Smith, who is renowned for his work with Stormzy, Adele and many more, and counts seven UK No.1 singles and 18 No. 1 albums among his achievements.
Epic: Foo Fighters’ head vocalist Dave Grohl (pictured main right) took centre stage for the performance, which he described as ’emotional’
Wide range: Mike Kerr of Royal Blood (L) and YUNGBLUD (R) also took part in the powerful performance
Joining in: Norwegian singer Sigrid joined the greatest names on the UK music scene
Making history: Dermot Kennedy, Grace Carter, Dan Smith of Bastille and Ellie (main four) wowed with their incredible vocals
Striking variety: AJ Tracey (L) delivered an upbeat rap, while Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro (R) held onto his headphones while belting out the lyrics
A-list appearance: The sensational set was rounded off by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who recorded the song from his home studio
The UK net profits from the charity single will be combined with any funds raised by The Big Night In and split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. International net profits will go towards the WHO’s COVID-19-Solidarity Response Fund.
Award-winning singer Sam Smith kicked off the performances for the night from their £12million North London mansion with an emotional rendition of their hit single, Lay Me Down.
The artist, 27, stood in front of their bookshelf as they displayed their stellar vocals in the name of the fight against COVID-19.
The media personality appeared effortlessly cool in a loose-fitted white shirt, teamed with a selection of gold jewellery for their scaled-back set.
‘It’s amazing’: Following the epic singalong, the New Rules singer stressed the importance of ‘connecting with friends and family’ amid the nation’s lockdown
‘I was so flattered that they would use one of our songs: Rock star Dave, 51, shared his delight at being approached to feature in the showcase
Gary Barlow concluded the programme with a star-studded version of his 2012 charity single, Sing. The Take That musician, 49, stunned fans with his heart-wrenching performance, joined by former X Factor co-judge Nicole Scherzinger, ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, and opera star Katherine Jenkins.
Leona Lewis, The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue, Beverley Knight, Shaggy, Olly Murs and Jason Donovan completed the line-up for the choir-inspired set.
The show also saw comedy sketches from Little Britain’s David Walliams and Matt Lucas, the first in more than a decade.
The beloved sketch show initially began as a radio show in 2000 before it moved to screens in 2003 for three seasons until 2005.
Great cause: Award-winning singer Sam Smith kicked off the performances from their £12million North London mansion with an emotional rendition of their hit single, Lay Me Down
In the zone: The artist, 27, stood in front of their bookshelf as they showcased their stellar vocals to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19
In good company: The media personality performed with a pianist, who appeared to take to the keys in a studio for the single, which originally dropped in February 2013, before being re-released in February 2015
Powerhouse: Soul singer Celeste captivated viewers with her version of Bill Withers’ Lean On Me
The pair reunited for a few charity specials, the last of which was in 2009, as well as a special Brexit-themed episode on BBC Radio 4 last October.
The series won a legion of comedy fans with it’s array of kooky characters, including teenage delinquent Vicky Pollard, Fatfighters’ Marjorie Dawes and Job Centre worker Carol Beer, who delivered the iconic catchphrase ‘computer says no’.
In January this year, David confirmed there would ‘definitely’ be more Little Britain, and revealed they had held talks with Netflix.
Dawn French also reprised her iconic role as Reverend Geraldine Granger (later Kennedy) after five years. The iconic sitcom ran from 1994 before coming to an end in 2000.
However, the characters made comebacks on several occasions, namely for the show’s 10th and 20th anniversaries and well as for Comic Relief – with the last appearance being in 2015.
Emotional end: Gary Barlow concluded the programme with a star-studded version of his 2012 charity single, Sing (his former X Factor co-judge Nicole Scherzinger pictured right)
Different look: Ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne sported a clean-shaven appearance as he took part in the project
Commanding attention: Musician Leona Lewis (L) and opera star Katherine Jenkins (R) also featured in the line-up
Peter Kay’s performance served as his first television comeback since 2017 when his sitcom Car Share ended.
His (Is This The Way To) Amarillo performance also marked 15 years since he first released the original hit. In 2005, the song spent seven weeks at number one, raising money for Comic Relief in the process.
The original video featured Peter Kay marching directly towards the camera on a treadmill joined by celebrities including Brian May, Ronnie Corbett, Michael Parkinson and Mr Blobby.
Leading the previous incarnation of the Doctor was Jodie Whittaker, who became the first ever Female Doctor when she took over the role in 2018.
Classic Era Doctors Tom Baker (who played the Doctor from 1974 to 1981), Peter Davison (1981 to 1984), Colin Baker (1984 to 1986), Sylvester McCoy (1987 to 1989) and Paul McGann (1996) also appeared in the video.
Iconic: Appearances from The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue (top left), Shaggy (second from top left), composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (second from top right), Olly Murs (second line, right), and Jason Donovan (second from bottom right) delighted fans
David Tennant, who played The Doctor from 2005 to 2010, also appeared as well as Matt Smith who took over from Tennant from 2010 to 2013.
Rounding out the stars were Peter Capaldi (2014 to 2017), and Jo Martin, who made history as the show’s first ever black Doctor during its 12th series this year.
Who fans are no stranger to Doctors collaborating, as along with David and Matt appearing together in the 50th Anniversary special, the episode also featured a surprise cameo from Tom.
Back in 1983, The Five Doctors saw Peter Davison appear alongside Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Richard Hurndall, who took over the role of the First Doctor following William Hartnell’s death.
More than £27million was donated during the three-hour broadcast, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak announcing the government would match the total.
Lucky for one! Elsewhere in the show, Little Mix (L-R: Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson) announced a fun competition, which will award the winner with an opportunity to watch their upcoming show, The Search
Delay: The group’s competition series was scheduled to air in April, but has been pushed back due to the pandemic (Jesy and Jade pictured with Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock)