Comic Relief has returned for its 40th anniversary with Red Nose Day 2025, a celebration hosted by some of the UK’s best-known faces. The event, which airs live from Salford on Friday, March 21, 2025, aims to tackle pressing issues such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health, all while providing an evening of entertainment for viewers.
Broadcasting on BBC One from 7 pm to 10 pm, the show features an exciting lineup of presenters, including Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark, Alesha Dixon, with Tom Allen and AJ Odudu taking over the mantle on BBC Two from 10 pm. At 10:40 pm, presenters Emma Willis and Asim Chaudhry will join the fun on BBC One until the program wraps up at 11:40 pm.
This year’s commemorative event promises to be action-packed, with a mix of celebrity sketches, musical acts, and updates on the funds raised throughout the night. Audiences will see their donations at work, supporting organizations that help break the cycle of poverty and provide essential services across the UK and around the world.
Among the highlights will be sketches featuring the popular Inbetweeners stars James Buckley and Joe Thomas, reuniting to portray the Gallagher brothers, who recently announced their own reunion tour.
In the lead-up to the event, celebrity participants have taken on ambitious fundraising challenges. Among them, Jamie Laing is pushing his limits with an incredible feat of endurance—running five ultra-marathons in five days. As of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, he has raised over £500,000, sharing updates from his challenging journey on social media.
“Day 3 done – if I’m totally honest I didn’t think I would get through today. At 25km’s, I thought I couldn’t go further... This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it would be 1000 times harder alone,” Laing expressed in an emotional Instagram post.
Moreover, other celebrities have also joined the fundraising momentum. For instance, in 2024, a group overcome extreme conditions in the Arctic Circle, raising more than £630,000. Mollie King achieved a remarkable £1.3 million by cycling 500 km from London to Hull, all while growing her following’s support on social media.
The 2024 edition of Comic Relief demonstrated the cumulative impact of celebrities using their influence to drive significant donations. In its history, Comic Relief has raised an astounding £1.6 billion, positively affecting the lives of over 100 million people since its launch.
Jonathan Ross, who has been a notable part of Comic Relief since its inception, remarked on the event’s growth: “I presented the first few years alongside Sir Lenny Henry and Griff Rhys Jones, and it was incredibly exciting to be involved... When they invited me back, it felt like a great way to commemorate the very first show.”
The importance of each donation is emphasized by Comic Relief itself, which states, “Your donations make a very real difference to people in the UK and around the world...” This sentiment reflects the charity's mission to provide food, healthcare, and shelter to celebrate the 40-year legacy of impact and altruism.
As viewers tune in, they will also witness sketches from major shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Gladiators, emphasizing the light-heartedness and community spirit at the heart of Comic Relief's mission. As the festivities unfold, the deeper message of compassion and social justice will resonate throughout the evening.
Additionally, the program will feature a retrospective element titled Comic Relief: 40 Years Of Funny airing at 10:40 pm, highlighting some of the best moments from the event's storied history. Viewers can look forward to significant nostalgia while celebrating the continuous fight against poverty and social injustice.
Comic Relief will culminate with the segment titled Even More Funny For Money on Saturday, March 22, at 4:30 pm, where highlights from this year’s event will be showcased, allowing fans to relive the excitement of the star-studded evening filled with laughter and purpose.
In a world filled with challenges, Comic Relief continues to show how collective actions and contributions can lead to transformative change, reminding us all that even a small gesture can help make the world a better place. So, tune in on Friday, March 21, 2025, and join in the spirit of giving and laughter as we come together for this noble cause.
