Red Nose Day 2025 is celebrating a monumental milestone, marking its 40th anniversary with an exciting lineup of events aimed at raising funds for the Comic Relief charity. This year’s live broadcast, filled with humor and entertainment, promises to be a celebration to remember, taking place at Salford's MediaCityUK on Friday, March 21, starting at 7:00 PM GMT and continuing until 10:40 PM, when a special retrospective show will follow.
The night will be hosted by a stellar lineup of presenters, including Davina McCall, Rylan Clark, and Alison Hammond, who will guide viewers through the evening's festivities. They will be joined by an array of celebrities and performers, ensuring that fans will experience unforgettable sketches and live performances. Jonathan Ross expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "When they invited me back, it felt like a great way to commemorate the very first show," reflecting on the long history of the event.
Leading up to the live show, noteworthy fundraising activities have occurred across the UK. BBC Radio 1 presenter Jamie Laing has taken on the challenge of running from London to Salford, completing an ultra-marathon every day for five days. Additionally, Morning Live presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton participated in a 24-hour roller disco event to boost pre-show donations.
The live show will feature philanthropic sketches from beloved TV shows, marking a historic crossover. Viewers can look forward to a unique mash-up of Not Going Out and Beyond Paradise, highlighting the comedic talents of Sally Bretton, who plays key roles in both series.
Another exciting segment includes the Oasis: The Reunion: The Movie sketch featuring stars James Buckley and Joe Thomas, who will humorously portray the Gallagher brothers. Buckley commented, "I had such a fun time with Joe making this sketch for Comic Relief, and was honoured to be asked to be a part of it. And, of course, being a huge Oasis fan, getting to be Liam for the day was a dream come true," emphasizing the thrill of participating in such a significant event.
The show is not just about laughter; it also aims to highlight important issues, such as mental health. An EastEnders special will spotlight Phil Mitchell's ongoing struggles with mental health in a mini-episode that aims to foster awareness and open discussions about depression and treatment.
In addition to entertainment, the event is all about giving back. Comic Relief has raised over £38 million in past years, and fundraising activities are already well underway. Donations go towards supporting vital services, including food centers, mental health programs, and those affected by poverty and conflict.
As viewers tune in for the live broadcast, they will be reminded of the importance of supporting these causes. Donations can be made via the Comic Relief website, and for those who are UK taxpayers, participating in the Gift Aid scheme can significantly amplify the impact of their contributions. For every £1 donated, charities can reclaim an additional 25p at no cost to the donor, meaning that a £10 donation could become £12.50 through Gift Aid.
The coverage will shift mid-evening, transitioning from BBC One from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, then moving to BBC Two from 10:00 PM to 10:40 PM. Following the live show, Comic Relief: 40 Years of Funny will air, hosted by Emma Willis and Asim Chaudhry, reflecting on the highlights of Comic Relief’s four-decade legacy.
Overall, Red Nose Day 2025 promises to be a night filled with laughter, star-studded performances, and heartfelt appeals for donations, showcasing both the entertainment and altruism that has defined Bob Red Nose Day since its inception. Audiences are encouraged to dig deep and support the vital work of Comic Relief, all while enjoying a fantastic evening of comedy and camaraderie.
