As the iconic fundraising event approaches, Red Nose Day 2025 is set to be an unmissable extravaganza of laughter and charity. On Friday, March 21, the largest annual telethon will bring together celebrities and viewers across the UK to raise vital funds for Comic Relief, which marks an impressive 40 years of service in combating poverty both locally and internationally.
This year, the show will be broadcast live from Media City UK in Salford, beginning at 7 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The festivities will feature a star-studded lineup, including popular hosts Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan, and Alesha Dixon, who will guide the audience through engaging sketches, moving stories, and rounded-off wit.
Excitement is amplified as the telethon will showcase unique comedic sketches from some of the UK's best-loved television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators, Not Going Out, and Beyond Paradise. These segments are designed not only to entertain but also to remind viewers of the serious causes that the money raised will support.
Viewers can look forward to a thrilling crossover sketch between Not Going Out and Beyond Paradise, written by Lee Mack, which promises to deliver an evening of laughter delivered through comedy of errors and mistaken identities. In this sketch, characters from both shows will collide, showcasing their unique traits and comedic styles.
Additionally, newly minted fundraisers Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones will embark on a relentless 24-hour rollerskate-athon starting a day early on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Dubbed a "retro challenge," they will pay homage to the 80s, 90s, and 00s through nostalgia-laden outfits and skillful skating. "I've never roller-skated before, so I'm nervous about my ability to stand up on skates, let alone move around on them. But I'll give it all I've got!" Jones shared.
In another corner of the fundraising efforts, Jamie Laing, known for his involvement on BBC Radio 1, will tackle a daunting ultra-marathon challenge. Starting on March 17, he will embark on a five-day journey running from London to Salford, covering an impressive distance equivalent to five ultra marathons. Laing is determined to raise awareness around mental health issues, a cause particularly close to his heart, given his past struggles with anxiety and depression. "I want to help raise as much money for Comic Relief as possible," he remarked, highlighting the need for funding to support various projects that aim to assist individuals in vulnerable situations.
Each of the televised sketches during the event will not only aim to entertain the viewers but also enrich fundraising capabilities, enhancing the overall impact of Red Nose Day's mission. Among the plans is a parody titled Oasis: The Reunion: The Movie, featuring James Buckley and Joe Thomas taking on the famed Gallagher brothers in an amusing rendition set against a backdrop of Britpop nostalgia and witticisms.
Chabuddy G, of People Just Do Nothing fame, will also join in the fun with a comical take on the Gladiators arena, where he’ll find himself contending instead of joining the legendary Gladiators. "It was amazing filming this sketch... A lot of people don't know this but the G in Chabuddy G actually stands for Gladiator!" he humorously claimed.
On a more serious note, the telethon will also feature a special episode of EastEnders centering around a mental health storyline involving Phil Mitchell. The character will reflect on his struggles in a poignant manner aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges.
In a nod to the marketing aspect of the event, this year also marks the return of iconic Red Nose designs which fans can purchase, alongside two new variants: the Cupcake Nose and the Rare Ruby Nose. These collectible items are available on Amazon, retailing at £2.50 each, increasing the fundraising potential while celebrating the legacy of Comic Relief. Each purchase not only sparks joy but also contributes to essential projects worldwide, from education to healthcare and support during crises.
Since its inception in 1985 by Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, Comic Relief has raised over £1.6 billion, with the last Red Nose Day in 2024 raising over £38 million. The collective effort continues to remind us about aiding communities, instilling hope, and fostering partnerships that benefit those requiring assistance. Fans are encouraged to purchase their Red Noses as the event nears and participate in the various fundraising initiatives outlined.
This year’s theme captures the essence of togetherness, laughter, and generosity, as viewers are invited to put on their noses and take part in the largest charity fundraising telethon, all in the name of changing lives for the better, one laugh at a time.
