BRITS have again dug deep to donate millions of pounds to Comic Relief.
Filmed live in front of a virtual audience, the Red Nose Day 2021 charity event featured a variety of celebrity cameos including Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Jodie Whittaker.
🔴 Follow our Comic Relief Live blog for the latest news and updates on Red Nose Day …
8th
The comedians Andi Osho, Caroline Quentin, Alex Brooker, Jayde Adams and Jennifer Saunders had reached their limitsPhoto credit: BBC / Comic Relief 2021
How much money was raised for Comic Relief 2021?
“The overwhelming generosity and kindness of the UK public has so far helped raise more than £ 52,025,485 for Red Nose Day 2021,” said a spokesman for Comic Relief.
The incredible amount “shows how powerful humor can be in the toughest of times.
“Money is still flowing in and it will make a huge difference to the people who are fighting now more than ever,” they added.
This year’s Red Nose Day campaign saw the following:
- Professional racing driver Billy Monger felt physically and mentally rushing to collect 2,376,183 pounds as the double amputee took on an extraordinary, triathlon-inspired challenge that included running, biking, and kayaking 140 miles across England.
- On the return of BBC Radio 1’s LOLathon, the BBC Radio 1 host family faced a full week of fun challenges and has raised £ 538,431 to date.
- TK Maxx released a range of themed Red Nose Day t-shirts featuring iconic Pixar characters from the country’s favorite films, including Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. and The Incredibles.
8th
The moment the British donated nearly £ 46 million – but that goal was exceededPhoto credit: BBC / Comic Relief 2021
Long-time Comic Relief supporter Davina McCall, who co-hosted the show with Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness and Sir Lenny Henry, said: “Tonight was a lovely reminder of how wonderful and kind the British audience is.
“Everyone knows how special Red Nose Day is and what tremendous power it has to bring us all together at the best of times.
“But this year, after such a difficult year, we never needed it again.
“Tonight we shared love and laughter and helped raise an incredible amount of money along the way that will make a huge difference to so many. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Thank you very much.”
This year’s theme was “Share A Smile”, which was attended by many celebrities and schools.
8th
Long-time Comic Relief supporter Davina McCall, who co-presented the show for 2021Photo credit: BBC / Comic Relief 2021
Who was in the line-up for Comic Relief 2021?
The Crown’s Daniel Craig, Dawn French, Catherine Tate and Olivia Colman all appeared on the main Comic Relief show, which aired on BBC1 on Friday March 19.
The Duke of Cambridge appeared on the show to thank viewers for their “compassion and generosity” in raising millions for charity during last year’s “Big Night In” fundraiser.
Prince William – in a red sweater – praised the British for their generosity and explained the difference our money will make to charity, especially psychological causes.
8th
Prince William thanked the kind hearted British for their generosityPhoto credit: BBC
Daniel Craig starred as James Bond alongside Catherine Tate’s wicked character Nan in a sketch for the program.
After Nan secured a job cleaning M’s office, she suddenly found 007 on a virtual call.
She wasn’t worried and even gave him advice on his love life. While also pop at the BBC royalty.
One avid fan tweeted, “Catherine Tate and James Bond made me laugh. Especially the ending.”
Nan interrogates Daniel Craig’s 007 for Comic Relief
In another comedy clip, Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Andrew Scott performed a sketch based on a crossover of the hit BBC shows Fleabag and Normal People.
The scene featured Scott’s Fleabag character Hot Priest, who simultaneously made a confession with Normal People’s Conall and Marion while they discussed their relationship issues.
Comedians Andi Osho, Alex Brooker, Jennifer Saunders, Jayde Adams and Caroline Quentin performed a tingling version of Nessun Dorma – led by Charlotte Church – from Puccini’s opera Turandot.
Harry Styles sang next to the fabulous Phoebe Waller Bridge.
8th
For the first time in five years, Justin Bieber sang on British television
And Justin Bieber’s British Army of Popularers was delighted to see him back on our screens and one passed out on Twitter: “Awwww Justin! He’s so cute.”
Mel Giedroyc also sang her heart and channeled Bridget Jones. She played a hilarious parody of All By Myself starring 27 of the biggest names in television and entertainment – including Ant & Dec, Oti Mabuse, Romesh Ranganathan, David Schwimmer, Torvill & Dean and Joe Wick.
A multitude of stars including Keira Knightley, Dame Joan Collins, Anna Friel and Russell Brand became everyday British heroes in 2020: The Movie, with Barry from Eastenders inventing Zoom.
The fans also raved about Zig’s and Zag’s big comeback at Comic Relief.
“Refreshing to see Zig and Zag on prime time BBC1,” tweeted one viewer.
8th
David Walliams nudged Simon CowellPhoto credit: BBC / Comic Relief 2021
Viewers were also delighted to see Dawn French back on TV as Vicar Of Dibley – especially given her ode to Lizzo.
One tweeted, “#ComicRelief Dawn French lip-syncing with Lizzo is something I didn’t know I needed in my life.”
Comic Relief host Lenny Henry wrote on Twitter: “You are brilliant. Thank you for EVERYONE who donated money tonight. You rock. Big up. Len #.”
He also posted four red love heart emojis, just for good measure.
8th
Sir Lenny Henry, co-founder of Comic Relief, said, “Wow. What a night’Photo credit: BBC / Comic Relief
Can I still donate to Comic Relief 2021?
You can still donate for Red Nose Day here.
- Viewers can relive some of the special moments in Comic Relief: The Best Bits at 12 noon, Sunday March 21, BBC One and later that day on BBC iPlayer.
Contributions from corporations, trusts and institutional funding partners to Comic Relief 2021
Above: Billy Monger has raised over £ 2.3 million
Sainsbury’s: £ 5,138,228 through sale of official goods and donation
TK Maxx: £ 1,303,671 through a donation and sale of official goods
KFC: £ 1,160,971
British Airways: £ 518,260 from onboard customer donations and fundraising campaigns from colleagues
Walker: £ 1,000,000
Maltese: £ 225,000
Baby Bell: £ 150,000
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): £ 6,000,000 equals power shifts through community-led programs in Ghana, Malawi and Zambia
Department for Culture, Media & Sport: £ 5,000,000 match funding from the Community Match Challenge Fund to support Covid responses in the hardest hit communities across England, with a focus on communities with racial inequality and people with disabilities
GSK: £ 1,350,000 for the fight against malaria
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Commitment to provide £ 2.15 million to finance the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
Scottish Government: Pledged to provide £ 217,000 to support projects that use sport to achieve gender equality for underserved women and girls in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda
Jersey Overseas Aid: £ 1,000,000 to build financial inclusion in Sierra Leone, Zambia and Rwanda
Paul Hamlyn Foundation: Pledged to provide £ 400,000 to support additional Tech For Good projects across the UK
National Emergency Trust: £ 2,049,000 in support of racial communities in the UK
Esmee Fairbairn: £ 900,000 in support of racial communities in the UK
Clothworkers Foundation: £ 200,000 in support of racial communities in the UK
SHE noses it!
Comic Relief raises £ 52 million with help from Daniel Craig & Catherine Tate
SHE noses it
Comic Relief raises £ 52 million as Catherine Tate laughs and David Tennant sobs
TO LOOK GOOD
The shock donated to Comic Relief fans Lenny Henry’s age is revealed
GOOD WILL
Prince William applauds the “incredible generosity” of the British during Covid on Comic Relief
RED HOT
Comic Relief hosts Davina McCall and Alesha Dixon delight in breathtaking red outfits
James Bond and Catherine Tates Nan play a hilarious sketch on Comic Relief
