The BBC‘s Big Night In kicked off on Thursday evening to raise funds for Children In Need, Comic Relief and the battle against COVID-19.
The evening featured the return of comedies Little Britain, Miranda and The Vicar Of Dibley, with specially-recorded skits as the casts of the erstwhile TV shows reunited from home.
Lenny Henry led proceedings, alongside Davina McCall and Matt Baker. After the first hour, Paddy McGuinness and Zoe Ball joined Lenny in the studio.
Yeah but no but! Little Britain was the hit of the night, as stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams recreated some of their iconic – and very un-PC – characters, using makeshift costumes from their homes
Little Britain was the hit of the night, as stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams recreated some of their iconic – and very un-PC – characters, using makeshift costumes from their homes.
Viewers were thrilled to see the characters return, flocking to Twitter to laud the comedy duo’s efforts and demand they shoot a whole new series when the coronavirus crisis is over.
‘That Little Britain Sketch was the best. Bring back #LittleBritain! Dust anybody?’ one person tweeted, as a second posted: ‘The best part of the whole show tonight! My son was introduced to the wonders of Little Britain and roared with laughter at the homemade wigs!! Priceless comedy!!’
A third penned: ‘Don’t you all agree that the boys are STILL amazing and when all this is over we need more more more and more!’
A fourth wrote: ‘Little Britain was everything I had hoped for and more, it was like we never left!’
Another posted: ‘Amazing Little Britain performance tonight on #TheBigNightIn, half the fun was seeing the creativity of their costume and prop making skills!’
The return of Andy and Lou: Andy insisted he wanted ‘a bat’ for tea. ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea!’ insisted Lou
Cake! Marjory of Fat Fighters was next. She said – ‘Hello, a lot of my fatties have been putting on a bit of weight during lockdown. If you’re feeling peckish – oh I love the cake – just try a little dust!’
First off was the return of Andy and Lou, with Lou telling Andy: ‘I’ve got some bits in for your lunch, chicken nuggets, chips. More chips. What would you like?’
Andy insisted he wanted ‘a bat’ for tea. ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea!’ insisted Lou.
Next was Bubbles, who declared: ‘Darling! You know a lot of people are complaining about lockdown, I’ve managed to lockdown with one of the most eligible men in Britain – Phillip Schofield. Can’t wait to get my hands on him!’
Actor Anthony Head made a cameo as the Prime Minister, with David playing assistant Sebastian.
They’re ladies! The cross-dressing ‘ladies’ were back – although added that they’re not allowed to say that nowadays
Cameo: Ruth Jones made a cameo as Myfanwy, on the phone to ‘only gay in the village’ Daffyd
‘I’ve missed you so much. I’ve got through so many tissues!’ cried Sebastian. ‘Have you been crying?’ asked the PM. ‘Yeah that too,’ replied Sebastian.
Next up was the ‘look into my eyes’ hypnotist who said to the camera: ‘A hair transplant is a lifesaving operation and I do need it right now – and you’re back in the room.’
Marjory of Fat Fighters was next. She said: ‘Hello, a lot of my fatties have been putting on a bit of weight during lockdown. If you’re feeling peckish – oh I love the cake – just try a little dust!’
Ruth Jones made a cameo as Myfanwy, on the phone to ‘only gay in the village’ Daffyd.
Hilarious: ‘I haven’t had a man for months – had to do it all by hand!’ Daffyd declared. ‘No change there then!’ came Myfanwy’s reply
Computer says YES! fans rejoiced the return of the iconic characters
Isolation, dah-ling! Next was Bubbles, who declared – ‘Darling! You know a lot of people are complaining about lockdown, I’ve managed to lockdown with one of the most eligible men in Britain – Phillip Schofield. Can’t wait to get my hands on him!’
‘I haven’t had a man for months – had to do it all by hand!’ Daffyd declared. ‘No change there then!’ came Myfanwy’s reply.
Next was Carol Beer who said: ‘You want to book a holiday somewhere hot? computer says no!’
Vicky Pollard was up next, caught sunbathing rather than doing exercise.
‘No but yeah but yeah I am exercising. Thinking about what I’d do to Joe Wicks,’ she declared.
The Little Britain sketch s the first to feature both David and Matt in more than a decade.
Taste test: Maggie Blackamoor and Judy Pike were back from the WI
‘Who made this Judy?’ The jokes were just as un-PC as ever
Next was Carol Beer who said: ‘You want to book a holiday somewhere hot? computer says no!’
Fiddle-de-dee! The insane tin whistle playing hotel manager Ray McCooney was back – as was his whistle
The beloved sketch show initially began as a radio show in 2000 before it moved to screens in 2003 for three seasons until 2005.
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.
In January this year, David confirmed there would ‘definitely’ be more Little Britain, and revealed they had held talks with Netflix.
Sitcom Miranda kicked things off, with Miranda Hart playing her titular character, telling viewers that lockdown suits her fine, with flashbacks showing scenes from the sitcom which prove she’s best left indoors.
Oh Carol! David recreated the iconic Carol ‘Computer Says No’ Beer with DIY hair and glasses [pictured L on the original show]
Like for like: Andy and Lou were recreated almost perfectly [pictured L on the original show]
Dust? Matt channeled Marjory by making a homemade blonde wig [pictured L on the original show]
Let them eat cake! Matt and David dug out Maggie and Judy’s costumes – with a homemade twist [the pair are pictured L on the original show]
‘I’m a lady! That’s what I am, a lady! I do lady things!’ Florence and Emily were recreated with toilet roll holders
She then joined in on a Zoom reunion with Tom Ellis, Sarah Hadland, Patritcia Hodge and Sally Phillips, who starred alongside her on the show.
Dawn French was the next iconic sitcom to return to screens, as Dawn French, as chocoholic Reverend Geraldine Granger, reprised the role for the first time in 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.
Staying home: Miranda kicked things off, with Miranda Hart playing her titular character, telling viewers that lockdown suits her fine, with flashbacks showing scenes from the sitcom which prove she’s best left indoors
Familiar faces: Miranda joined in on a Zoom reunion with Tom Ellis, Sarah Hadland, Patritcia Hodge and Sally Phillips, who starred alongside her on the show
Dressed as Geraldine, Dawn told viewers via Zoom that her vicarage was filled with Easter eggs this time last week, but that she’d been tidying up by eating them all.
She added: ‘Just a little tip for all the mums and dads who are struggling in isolation – the chocolate egg halves make an excellent chocolate bra. So there’s hours of God-given fun there!’
She joked that there had been misprints in the latest parish newsletter, namely that there’d been an announcement that two women in Dibley had had rabies rather than babies.
There was no reunion of the iconic cast in this skit, but Dawn reminded fans of the scatty characters, explaining that they don’t have computers.
She said: ‘One of them called me to say that he bought an Apple. I asked him which version and he said a granny smith.’
Egg-cellent! Dawn French was the next iconic sitcom to return to screens, as Dawn French, as chocoholic Reverend Geraldine Granger, reprised the role for the first time in five years
Snip snip! Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell – of Strictly fame – took part in a live haircut, with red-head Dianne letting Joe loose with the scissors
Regal sketch: There was a skit recorded by Stephen Fry and Prince William, who took part in a Zoom call before leaving their homes to clap for carers
The jokes subsided as the iconic vicar assured viewers, ‘life goes on, this will pass, don’t dwell on the sadness’.
‘Praise the Lord, and praise the NHS. God bless you for watching!’ she concluded.
Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell – of Strictly fame – took part in a live haircut, with red-head Dianne letting Joe loose with the scissors.
There was a skit recorded by Stephen Fry and Prince William, who took part in a Zoom call before leaving their homes to clap for carers.
The Blackadder sketch was filmed at Anmer Hall and written by Richard Curtis.
Good one, Wills! The Blackadder sketch was filmed at Anmer Hall and written by Richard Curtis
Joining in: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge clapped for NHS carers as part of the BBC Big Night In
Comedienne Catherine Tate reprised her character Lauren, who took part in an antagonistic video chat with David Tennant, her ‘teacher’.
The show also featured the debut of BBC Radio 1’s charity single, featuring the likes of Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Sean Paul and Chris Martin.
The Stay Home Live Lounge was released at midday on Thursday and sees the stars collaborate on a cover of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These to raise money for charities.
Dua said: ‘First of all, it’s such an incredible song. It’s been important to connect with friends and family, and 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.
Am I boverred? Comedienne Catherine Tate reprised her character Lauren, who took part in an antagonistic video chat with David Tennant, her ‘teacher’
Missing the point: Lauren insisted she wouldn’t be catching a computer virus from her teacher
‘Everyone has been working so hard in wanting to create something so special, it’s amazing.’
Dave Grohl – also taking part – said: ‘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 cast of EastEnders congregated for a Zoom quiz, set up by Ian Beale, with an accidental special appearance by Coronation Street’s Liz Macdonald, who ended up getting barred from the Queen Vic.
Premiere: The show also featured the debut of BBC Radio 1’s charity single, featuring the likes of Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Sean Paul and Chris Martin
Debut: The Stay Home Live Lounge was released at midday on Thursday and sees the stars collaborate on a cover of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These to raise money for charities
Quizzing: The cast of EastEnders congregated for a Zoom quiz, set up by Ian Beale
Get outta my pub! There was an accidental special appearance by Coronation Street’s Liz Macdonald, who ended up getting barred from the Queen Vic
There was also a tribute to doctors and the NHS recorded by several past Doctor Who stars.
It featured stars past and present Jodie Whittaker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Jo Martin, Peter Capaldi, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann.
‘Never be cruel or cowardly,’ they said. ‘We have come together to give praise, to salute and to give thanks to doctors, nurses and carers on the front line. You are incredible, inspirational and truly life saving.’
Matt Lucas performed the Baked Potato Song with the BBC Concert Orchestra, while songstress Celeste sang Lean On Me.
Dapper: Matt Lucas performed the Baked Potato Song with the BBC Concert Orchestra
Jack Whitehall, Mathew Horne and boxer Anthony Joshua took part in a sketch as a tribute to Jack’s sitcom bad Education.
It saw Jack’s character Alfie inform Mathew’s character Fraser that there is a global pandemic taking place, unbeknownst to him.
It then saw Anthony playing himself, coaching Alfie through an online PE lesson which saw him get trapped under a massive barbell as Anthony called an ambulance.
Peter Kay returned to TV for the occasion – his first television comeback since 2017 when his sitcom Car Share ended.
Jo(k)e Wicks! Fitness star Joe took part in a skit about his PE lessons
He introduced his song (Is This The Way To) Amarillo – 15 years since he first released the original hit and rebooted for the COVID crisis.
In 2005, the song spent seven weeks at number one, raising money for Comic Relief in the process. The original video featured him arching directly towards the camera on a treadmill joined by celebrities including Brian May, Ronnie Corbett, Michael Parkinson and Mr Blobby.
The new version saw videos sent in by members of the public – including NHS workers – featured instead.
Peter introduced it in a sun hat and a tropical shirt, sat outside ‘enjoying the clement weather… which is rare for Bolton!’
Back on TV: Peter Kay returned to TV for the occasion – his first television comeback since 2017 when his sitcom Car Share ended
Songstress: Celeste sang Lean On Me from her sultrily-lit home
He said: ‘If you can donate please do, but don’t worry if you can’t, there’s a lot going on right now.’
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon took part in a Zoom chat, insisting they’d dodged Richard Curtis’ calls to take part in Comic Relief.
‘It would be a relief if he stopped calling!’ Rob said.
‘Have you shopped for your neighbours yet?’ Steve asked. ‘Have I shot a neighbour yet?’ Rob clarified.
Big Night In raised a staggering £27,398,675 for charity, with the Government offering to double it and take the total to nearly £60million.
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
Hosts: Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Matt Baker are pictured six feet apart inside The One Show studio to kick off The Big Night In
Funds 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.
So nice she wore it twice! Davina McCall opted for a sustainable fashion choice on Thursday evening, as she recycled the canary yellow dress she wore to the ITV Palooza last year
Glam: Davina first showcased the dress at the annual ITV event in November last year when she walked the red carpet at the star-studded bash (pictured in November 2019)
Hostess with the mostest! The Long Lost Families’ host teamed her dress with a pair of black stilettos, adding further height to her statuesque frame
‘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.