Comic Relief’s latest celebrity telethon raises more than £52m
MORE THAN £52m has been raised during this year’s Comic Relief fundraiser.
The charity event, which was filmed live in front of a virtual audience, featured many celebrity cameos.
Justin Bieber gave an exclusive performance of his song Hold On during Friday’s programme.
Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Yorkshire’s Jodie Whittaker starred in a joke film trailer for 2020 The Movie during the programme.
Host Alesha Dixon said at the end of the programme: “You have made an incredible difference to the lives of people here in the UK and across the world.
“Your generosity tonight will create lasting change for those who need our support now more than ever.”
Her fellow presenter Sir Lenny Henry said: “After a year of lockdowns, we hope we have given you laughter and joy.”
The programme was also hosted by television presenters Paddy McGuinness and Davina McCall, and actor David Tennant.
The fundraising total for Comic Relief will be updated again at a later stage once all the donations have been counted.
Last year, Comic Relief and Children in Need held a joint appeal, The Big Night In, which raised £74,026,927.
This year, The Duke of Cambridge made an appearance on the programme to thank viewers for their “compassion and generosity” in raising millions for good causes during last year’s Big Night In fundraiser.
Daniel Craig also featured as James Bond alongside Catherine Tate’s foul-mouthed character Nan in a sketch for the programme.
Actress Olivia Colman, actors James Corden and Idris Elba, comedian Matt Lucas and singer Gary Barlow were among the other stars to feature in the fundraiser.
Double amputee racing driver Billy Monger raised £2,376,183 for Comic Relief. He completed a 140-mile triathlon-inspired challenge for the charity in February.