Comic Relief launch ‘Red Nose Day 2024’

Alex Jones, Davina McCall, Joan Collins, Jonathan Bailey, Nick Grimshaw and Simon Cowell are just some of the names in the launch promotion.

The celebrities answer Sir Lenny Henry’s call to ‘do something funny for money’ in a brand-new sketch released today to mark the official launch of Red Nose Day 2024.

Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry:

“When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today. I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered. As Life President of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.”  

In the sketch, Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry, picks up the phone to some of his famous friends to find out how they are going to do their bit to raise life-changing money this Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday 15 March.

This who’s who of a sketch features This Morning regular Alison Hammond toying with ways she can do something hun-ey for money and Bridgerton star, Jonathan Bailey taking on a 24-hour singing challenge, while Nick Grimshaw considers a sponsored silence for an episode of his hit podcast series. Dynasty icon Joan Collins is going to new heights for Red Nose Day by taking on a sponsored skydive, while Simon Cowell is set to listen to his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden’s cover album for a whole week on repeat.

Sir Lenny Henry, Red Nose Day, 2024

The feature is hoped to inspire people across the country to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day and help spread joy, raise spirits, and much-needed funds. 

“Red Nose Day returns at a difficult time for many – millions are facing impossible choices just to get by, and the impact of poverty, conflict and climate change is being felt further and wider than ever before. It’s never felt more important to come together to support people in the UK and around the world that are struggling.

“There are lots of ways to take part – whether it’s taking on a cake-baking or joke-making challenge, picking up some of the official Red Nose Day merchandise, or joining the nation for a night of laughs – it’s an opportunity to get together, have a laugh and change lives.” – Comic Relief

The BBC One night of entertainment comes live from Salford on Friday 15 March with an evening of comedy, live performances, and one-off surprises will be extra special this year as it will be the last time Lenny Henry will host the show. 

For nearly four decades, former Tiswas regular Lenny has been the leader of laughter and united millions of people to raise over £1.5billion for Comic Relief so far, proving that comedy and compassion can change lives. Sir Lenny has decided that now is the time to see some new names take the presenter reins, while he continues to support Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on other projects throughout the year.

Lenny Henry performs at the BBC in the 1990s / BBC PR

Sir Lenny Henry:

“Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling here and around the world. But we also know that the British public are brilliant – you’re so kind and generous, if somebody has a problem, you always want to help out. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. I’d love nothing more than if you joined me in getting involved this year. Let’s make it one to remember and show that having a laugh can actually make a world of difference. Do something funny for money, join me at The London Palladium, wear your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you! Let’s go!” 

To celebrate and say thank you to Sir Lenny – who found fame on ATV’s talent show New Faces in the 70s – some of the nation’s favourite comedians will take to the stage for a wild and wonderful one-off evening of live comedy, Comic Relief – Live at The London Palladium, on Monday 26 February. In homage to how Comic Relief began 39 years ago, the night of non-stop laughter will see comedians unite with Sir Lenny to raise the roof and all-important money for Red Nose Day. Tickets are available now from LW Theatres and Ticketmaster. 

A brand-new plant-based Red Nose range is available now with free one-day delivery for all customers on Amazon, the official home of the Red Nose. This year’s official Red Nose Day T-shirt and sweatshirt collection from TK Maxx, tkmaxx.com. The Red Nose that Grows, a 100% composable that will transform into beautiful wildflowers in Holland & Barrett from 7 February and comicrelief.com/shop

Publishing 8 February, available online or wherever books are sold, is Sir Lenny Henry’s inspiring story of courage and goodwill from his early use of comedy at school to his co-founding of Comic Relief, as well as his vital and continued work to promote diversity in the arts. 50p from each book ‘Little People, Big Dreams: Lenny Henry’ sold will be donated to Comic Relief.  

Left to right: Lenny in a promo for 1999’s Comic Relief, performing on BBC One’s The Lenny Henry Show in 1984 and in 1979 on ATV’s Tiswas

Red Nose Day returns on Friday 15 March. Find out how to get involved at www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday