Comic Relief fans were treated to a delightful surprise on Friday, March 21, 2025, as the beloved BBC shows Beyond Paradise and Not Going Out combined their worlds in a remarkable crossover skit during the charity event.
This one-off special featured characters Lee (Lee Mack) and Kate (Megan Dodds) from Not Going Out alongside DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) from Beyond Paradise. The comedic sketch revolved around a hilarious mix-up of mistaken identities, brought to life by the talented actress Sally Bretton, who played both Lee's wife Lucy in Not Going Out and Humphrey's wife Martha in Beyond Paradise.
As the skit unfolded, viewers found themselves in stitches as the two iconic shows collided in unexpected ways, crafting a narrative filled with humor and charm. Social media buzzed with excitement as fans praised the sketch's cleverness, calling it "the best part" of Comic Relief. One enthusiastic viewer tweeted, "The only funny bit? - No Going Beyond Paradise #ComicRelief," while another commented, "Loved the Not Going Out/Beyond Paradise crossover! #ComicRelief."
The lively humor continued as another fan added, "When two worlds collide…! Not Going Beyond Paradise was amazing superstar Sally Bretton! #ComicRelief." Clearly, the skit resonated with viewers, who found it to be a highlight of the evening.
In an interview submitted to The Mirror, Sally Bretton spoke of the experience, stating, “It was great fun to have the two worlds collide, play my own doppelganger and get swept up in the madness that comes with that! It was particularly special to be doing it all for such a brilliant cause as Comic Relief.” Her enthusiasm clearly translated into the performances as the characters navigated the comedic chaos.
Indeed, both Bretton and her co-stars—Lee Mack and Kris Marshall—brought their comedic skill to the forefront. Marshall expressed his joy over the collaboration, saying, “It’s always a delight to be able to combine the joys of comedy with the ability to help the many worthwhile charities that Comic Relief supports.” This unity of purpose behind the laughter showcased how powerful entertainment can be, especially when it contributes to serious causes.
The Comics Relief special also featured various other collaborations that night. To add to the star-studded event, James Buckley and Joe Thomas from The Inbetweeners played iconic roles as Liam and Noel Gallagher in a humorous sketch celebrating the Oasis reunion. Additionally, the cast of People Just Do Nothing joined forces with the Gladiators, while notable personalities like Rachel Parris and Russell Kane interacted with Strictly Come Dancing stars. Even EastEnders contributed with a poignant five-minute episode centered around Phil Mitchell's mental health storyline.
Host duties for the evening were shared between Alison Hammond, Alesha Dixon, Davina McCall, Rylan Clark, Joel Dommett, and Jonathan Ross. AJ Odudu and Tom Allen took the helm for the later part of the show, which increased the anticipation as viewers tuned in to watch the sequentially vibrant offerings, which emphasized not just comedy but a strong sense of community and charity.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next series of Not Going Out, currently in production, and the exciting return of Beyond Paradise, which is scheduled to premiere on March 28, 2025, at 8 PM, just before the season finale of Death in Paradise that follows at 9 PM. There’s certainly a lot of excitement surrounding the return of these beloved series, especially after the buzz generated from their collaborative skit.
As Sally Bretton revealed, Martha, her character from Beyond Paradise, is set for a busy and happy season as she relaunches her restaurant, Ten Mile Kitchen—though she will soon face complications as her ex-fiancé, Archie, resurfaces with a surprising business proposal.
The success of this year’s Comic Relief, especially highlighted through the humorous yet heartwarming crossover between Beyond Paradise and Not Going Out, serves as a reminder of the potential of comedy to unite fans and support vital charitable causes. This special evening stood out, blending nostalgia with novel entertainment, guaranteeing that audiences are eagerly looking forward to more shared moments within the realms of their favorite shows.