TV&PUZZLES IT’S Live Aid FOR THE lockdown
YOUR INDISPENSABLE SEVEN-DAY TV GUIDE... FAVOURITE PUZZLES AND THE ONE AND ONLY PIERS MORGAN
Feeling down in the dumps over lockdown? This week a galaxy of superstars are serving up two glorious feasts of entertainment to lift the gloom.
Tonight, some of the biggest names in showbiz are hoping to chase away the coronavirus blues for what’s being billed as the Live Aid for the social distancing era. One World: Together At Home sees
Lady Gaga (right) take on the Bob Geldof role, gathering together the cream of music to celebrate healthcare workers around the globe. And with the stars all performing at home, will we see Paul McCartney taking us on a magical mystery tour of his kitchen, or Elton John singing ballads in his bathroom?
They’re just two names on an astonishing concert programme that also features Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Stevie Wonder,
John Legend, Andrea
Bocelli and Billie Eilish, the teenage wunderkind who sings the latest Bond theme tune and is now part of a historic night that’s guaranteed to thrill.
Another star-studded event designed to cheer us up goes out on Thursday with the BBC’s marathon charity fundraiser, The Big Night In. The live show – presented by Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Matt Baker, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness – will deliver some much needed entertainment while celebrating and rewarding those going the extra mile to support their communities during the crisis.
The biggest draw is surely the return of Matt Lucas and David Walliams with a brand new Little Britain sketch after ten years off screen, as well as Peter Kay making a welcome comeback after two years away. Catherine Tate and David Tennant are also on the bill for a fun-packed, threehour show that includes the nation’s all-time favourite comedy sketches, as voted by viewers. There’ll be live music from performers (in their homes) including Gary Barlow and an army of yet-to-be-announced artists, plus many of your favourite faces coming together (while safely apart) to do what they can for those who deserve something special.
Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and the Strictly Come Dancing pros will be on hand to set a choreography challenge for you to learn at home, and there’s the promise of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes for members of the public. Even the Chancellor is getting into the party mood – Rishi Sunak has pledged that the Government will match all donations on the night. All the funds raised will be split between Children In Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK.
As Lenny Henry says:
‘It’s going to be a fantastic night. And even if you can’t donate, just watch – it’ll cheer you up!’