The critically acclaimed Red Nose Day is making a triumphant return on Friday, March 21, 2025, celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary. Developed by comic legends Sir Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, this annual charity event organized by Comic Relief showcases an ensemble of comedic sketches, heartfelt storytelling, and a plethora of celebrity appearances, all aimed at raising significant funds to fight poverty among children in the UK and around the world. Touted as one of the most anticipated charitable broadcasts, this year’s event will be live from Salford's Media City, an exciting change as it marks the first time Henry will not be hosting.
Viewers can tune in from 7 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer to witness a range of performances and antics designed to entertain while encouraging donations. The star-studded lineup for this year's Red Nose Day includes familiar faces like Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alesha Dixon, Alison Hammond, and Rylan. Forming the core of the evening’s presentations, these names will lead segments across a three-hour show, while Tom Allen and AJ Odudu handle the last hour on BBC Two.
The fundraising efforts for this year are accompanied by engaging activities, particularly a notable sketch that merges characters from the long-performance sitcom Not Going Out and the murder-mystery series Beyond Paradise. Written by the show's star, Lee Mack, this comedic crossover sees characters from both shows embroiled in a mix-up, showcasing talent from actors including Kris Marshall and Felicity Montagu.
Additionally, the roller-skating duo, Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones, will kick off a 24-hour rollerskate challenge a day prior to the event on Thursday, March 20. Clad in 80s and 90s gear, they aim to endure through a grueling physically demanding challenge, reminiscent of previous Comic Relief enthused events. Preparing for this challenge, Jones quipped about his trepidations regarding roller skating, saying, "I’ve never roller-skated before so I’m nervous about my ability to stand up on skates."
Further elevating the stakes is Jamie Laing, a presenter from BBC Radio 1, who has committed to an incredible feat of endurance by running from London to Salford, a staggering distance that equates to five ultra-marathons over five days, starting on March 17. "I just have to focus on putting one foot in front of the other," Laing noted ahead of the run, which aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, something he has personally battled.
In an additional layer of excitement, Red Nose Day 2025 incorporates a Strictly Come Dancing sketch, in which beloved judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke will be joined by comics Russell Kane and Rachel Parris. The duo parodies the hypotheticals of amateur choreography in a mockumentary-style setting, creating comedic moments by presenting a playful twist to the competition.
Meanwhile, Chabuddy G, a comedic character from the popular show People Just Do Nothing, also steps into the spotlight with a Gladiators-themed sketch, believing he’s part of the muscular Gladiator lineup. Instead, he finds himself on the other side as a challenger, humorously taking on a duel against a formidable adversary.
For fans of the beloved band Oasis, the night will feature a parody sketch where Inbetweeners actors James Buckley and Joe Thomas portray Liam and Noel Gallagher, capturing a comedic retelling of the brothers' rise to fame. Buckley expressed his excitement about playing Liam, stating, "I had such a fun time making this sketch for Comic Relief. Being a huge Oasis fan, getting to be Liam for the day was a dream come true."
An integral part of the Red Nose Day celebrations are the iconic Red Nose designs. This year, the event honors its legacy with returning classic designs alongside two new unique offerings: a birthday Cupcake Nose and a rare Ruby Nose, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability through plant-based, recyclable materials.
With Comic Relief celebrated on a grand scale, Red Nose Day has significantly impacted charitable works, raising over £1.6 billion since its inception in 1985 and aiding more than 100 million individuals. This impressive figure represents a communal engagement towards alleviating suffering and providing better living conditions through support for healthcare, education, and more.
To commemorate its 40 years, special programming will air on various platforms, revealing behind-the-scenes looks at fundraising events and the ongoing impact of donations already made through prior challenges. Notably, the popular children's show Blue Peter will be transformed into Red Peter for the special day, incorporating special guest appearances and exciting fund-raising events.
As preparations for Red Nose Day 2025 intensify, excitement builds among viewers and participants alike. As always, the enduring motto of Comic Relief remains at the forefront: changing lives for good. The collective efforts of celebrities, everyday fundraisers, and the viewing public converge to create a powerful impact, proving once again that laughter can indeed lead to significant change.
This year, as the laughter and camaraderie unfold, audiences are reminded of the profound difference made through each donation, regardless of size, making Red Nose Day a cherished occasion for both the community and charity.
