The Chronicle

I say, I say, I put the fun in

NORTH EAST HELPS THE NEEDY IN RED NOSE DAY PUSH

- By LAURA HARDING

Reporter SIR Lenny Henry paid tribute to those affected by the attack on Westminste­r on Red Nose Day’s evening of fundraisin­g last night.

The comedian, who helped set up Comic Relief, was joined on stage by Jonathan Ross as he told viewers: “We want to send our thoughts and love to all those affected by the events in Westminste­r.

“Tonight is an opportunit­y to save lives, to reach out in the spirit of partnershi­p and compassion.

“The money you give tonight will make things better for people with tough lives here at home and abroad and your generosity year after year proves how much more there is that unites us than divides us. “Every donation is a good deed.” The show opened with stars including Sir Lenny, Ed Balls, Vic and Bob and Miranda Hart recreating a famous scene from La La Land as they were stuck in a traffic jam performing a musical number.

Balls reunited with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Katya Jones to perform part of his routine to Gangnam Style from the dancing competitio­n, dressed in the bright blue suit he wore on the show.

In the musical number, dubbed Ha Ha Land, Sir Lenny urged viewers: “Don’t be a selfish git,” and to give generously.

Ross told viewers: “We’re live and dangerous and, if rehearsals are anything to go by, we are going to get in a lot of trouble with the BBC.”

Catherine Tate recreated her surly schoolgirl Lauren from The Catherine Tate Show as she asked Sir Lenny “Am I bovvered?” about raising money for charity.

The day capped a week of fundraisin­g activities on BBc radio and television.

Meanwhile, across the North East and the rest of the country, schoolchil­dren and office workers donned red noses and wore red clothes as they made their controbuti­on to the fundraisin­g push.

 ??  ?? Sir Lenny Henry, leading light of Red Nose Day
Sir Lenny Henry, leading light of Red Nose Day

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