Comic Relief brought laughter and tears in equal measure as it celebrated its 40th anniversary with a live broadcast from Salford's Media City on March 21, 2025. The charity event, a staple of British television, featured a variety of entertainment and sketches framed around this year’s theme: making a difference through comedy. This special occasion was not just about the fun and games, but also served as a poignant reminder of why the charity was founded and the lives it seeks to change.
The show kicked off at 7 PM on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer, marking the fourth decade of fundraising sparked by the devastating famine in East Africa in the 1980s. Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny Henry, who has been a legendary face of the show for nearly 40 years, reflected on its journey during the event. "I can’t believe Comic Relief is turning the big 4-0. In some ways it feels like 1985 was, like, yesterday," he noted, looking back with fondness on the charity's achievements.
Viewers were delighted to see a lineup of familiar hosts for the evening, including Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark, and Alesha Dixon, who took over the reins from Sir Lenny after his retirement last year. They each reported feel-good stories surrounding Comic Relief’s impact while introducing sketches steeped in nostalgia and humor. More than £1.6 billion has been raised since its inception, significantly benefiting communities in need around the globe.
As comedic sketches unfolded on screen, the audience enjoyed special appearances from stars like James Buckley and Joe Thomas, who revived their characters in a hilarious ‘Oasis: The Reunion’ segment. In this light-hearted tribute, they reminisced about the rise to fame of the Gallagher brothers through their witty banter and antics. The stage was also brought to life by the joint construction of two beloved shows, as Sally Bretton enacted both her roles from Not Going Out and Beyond Paradise, creating a delightful mix-up of mistaken identities.
The musical elements of the evening included performances from Limahl of Kajagoogoo and Carol Decker of T’Pau, who thrilled the audience with their classic hits, setting the nostalgic tone perfectly.
Among the sketches, the comedic character Chabuddy G from People Just Do Nothing showcased his antics in a sketch that humorously introduced him as a new recruit to the Gladiators, dubbed “Girth, Wind And Fire.” In a twist, Chabuddy G won a challenge only to have CCTV catch him cheating, resulting in his lifetime ban from the show.
Other notable projects included a touching segment from EastEnders, focusing on Phil Mitchell’s struggles with mental health, providing vital context about the importance of seeking help in real-life issues. Sir Lenny emphasized the charity's ongoing mission, saying, "Please keep doing what you can to help, because doing good never gets old." Such messages resonate deeply, illustrating the necessity for continued support amid global challenges.
The culmination of the evening came as £17.5 million was announced to have been raised so far for Red Nose Day, igniting cheers from the audience. This staggering amount reflects the collective effort from communities, schools, and families that have supported Comic Relief through thick and thin over the decades. Alesha Dixon expressed her gratitude for the contributions, stating, "That amount of money will make a big difference to so many brilliant projects."
Overall, Comic Relief marked its 40th anniversary with a mix of laughter, reflection, and a sense of community. The ongoing efforts and support emphasize that behind every joke, every sketch, and every song lie real people benefiting from the funds raised. With hosts new and old coming together, the show not only celebrated its rich history but also looked forward to its future endeavors aimed at helping those most in need. As the clock struck 10 PM, viewers were ready for more with the continuation of the celebration featuring Tom Allen and AJ Odudu taking over hosting duties, ensuring the tradition of charity and comedy lives on for generations to come.
