BRITS have yet again dug deep to donate millions of pounds for Comic Relief.
The Red Nose Day 2021 charity event, filmed live in front of a virtual audience, featured a plethora of celebrity cameos, including from Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Jodie Whittaker.
? Follow our Comic Relief live blog for the very latest Red Nose Day news and updates…
How much money was raised for Comic Relief 2021?
"The overwhelming generosity and kindness shown by the British public has helped raise more than £52,025,485 for Red Nose Day 2021 so far," according to a Comic Relief spokesperson.
The incredible amount "shows just how powerful humour can be through the toughest of times.
"Money is still coming in and will make a huge difference for people struggling now more than ever," they added.
This year’s Red Nose Day campaign saw:
- Professional racing driver, Billy Monger, pushed himself physically and mentally to raise £2,376,183 when the double amputee took on an extraordinary triathlon inspired challenge, which saw him walk, cycle and kayak 140-miles across England.
- The return of BBC Radio 1’s LOLathon saw the BBC Radio 1 presenter family take on an entire week of fun challenges, raising £538,431 so far.
- TK Maxx launched a range of themed T-shirts for Red Nose Day featuring iconic Pixar characters from the nation’s favourite films including Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. and The Incredibles.
Long-term Comic Relief supporter, Davina McCall, who presented the show alongside Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness and Sir Lenny Henry, said: “Tonight was a beautiful reminder of how wonderful and kind-hearted the British public are.
"Everyone knows how special Red Nose Day is, and the enormous power it has to bring us all together in the best of times.
"But this year, after such a difficult year, we’ve never needed it more.
"Tonight, we’ve shared love and laughter, and helped raise an incredible amount of money along the way that’ll make such a difference to so many; so, thank you, for your kindness and generosity thank you so much.”
This year's theme was 'Share A Smile', with plenty of celebs and schools taking part.
Who was in the line-up for Comic Relief 2021?
Daniel Craig, Dawn French, Catherine Tate and The Crown's Olivia Colman all appeared in the Comic Relief main show, which was shown on BBC1 on Friday, March 19.
The Duke of Cambridge made an appearance in the programme to thank viewers for their "compassion and generosity" in raising millions for good causes during last year's Big Night In television fundraiser.
Prince William – wearing a red jumper – praised Brits for their generosity, and explained just what a difference our money will make to charities, especially mental health causes.
Daniel Craig featured as James Bond alongside Catherine Tate's foul-mouthed character Nan in a sketch for the programme.
Having snared herself a job as a cleaner for M's office, Nan suddenly came face-to-face with 007 on a virtual call.
She wasn't fazed and even gave him advice on his love life. While also having pop at the BBC licence fee.
One thrilled fan tweeted: "Catherine Tate and James Bond sketch had me belly laughing. Especially the end."
Another comedy clip saw Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Andrew Scott perform a sketch based on a crossover of the hit BBC shows Fleabag and Normal People.
The scene featured Scott's Fleabag character Hot Priest doing confession with Normal People's Conall and Marion simultaneously as they discussed their relationship problems.
Comedians Andi Osho, Alex Brooker, Jennifer Saunders, Jayde Adams and Caroline Quentin performed a spine-tingling version of Nessun Dorma – led by Charlotte Church – from Puccini's opera Turandot.
Harry Styles sang alongside the fabulous Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
And Justin Bieber's Brit army of Beliebers were delighted to see him back on our screens, with one swooning on Twitter: "Awwww Justin! He’s so cute."
Also singing her heart out, Mel Giedroyc channelled Bridget Jones, performing a hilarious parody of All By Myself with 27 of the biggest names from TV and entertainment – including Ant & Dec, Oti Mabuse, Romesh Ranganathan, David Schwimmer, Torvill & Dean and Joe Wicks.
A host of stars including Keira Knightley, Dame Joan Collins, Anna Friel and Russell Brand became everyday British heroes in 2020: The Movie, with Barry from Eastenders as the inventor of Zoom.
Fans gushed, too, about Zig and Zag's big comeback on Comic Relief.
"Refreshing to see Zig and Zag on primetime BBC1," one viewer tweeted.
Viewers were also delighted to see Dawn French back on TV as the Vicar Of Dibley – especially given her ode to Lizzo.
One tweeted: "#ComicRelief Dawn French lip syncing to Lizzo is something I didn’t know I needed in my life."
Comic Relief host Lenny Henry wrote on Twitter: "You are brilliant. Thank you so@much for EVERYONE who donated money tonight. You rock. Big up. Len#."
He also posted four red love heart emojis, just for good measure.
Can I still donate to Comic Relief 2021?
You can still donate to Red Nose Day here.
- Viewers can catch relive some of the special moments in Comic Relief: The Best Bits at 12pm, Sunday March 21, BBC One, and on BBC iPlayer later in the day.
Corporate, trusts and institutional funding partner contributions to Comic Relief 2021
Above: Billy Monger raised over £2.3million
Sainsbury’s: £5,138,228 by selling the official merchandise and donation
TK Maxx: £1,303,671 through a donation and selling official merchandise
KFC: £1,160,971
British Airways: £518,260 via onboard customer donations and colleague fundraising
Walkers: £1,000,000
Maltesers: £225,000
Babybel: £150,000
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): £6,000,000 match towards shifting power through community led programmes in Ghana, Malawi and Zambia
Department for Culture, Media & Sport: £5,000,000 match funding from their Community Match Challenge fund to support Covid responses in the most affected communities across England, with a focus on communities experiencing racial inequality and those living with a disability
GSK: £1,350,000 for the fight against malaria
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Committed to match funding £2.15 million to fund the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
Scottish Government: Committed to match funding of £217,000 to support projects which use sport to achieve gender equality for underserved women and girls in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda
Jersey Overseas Aid: £1,000,000 towards building Financial Inclusion in Sierra Leone, Zambia and Rwanda
Paul Hamlyn Foundation: Committed to match funding £400,000 to support more Tech For Good projects across the UK
National Emergency Trust: £2,049,000 to support communities experiencing racial inequalities in the UK
Esmee Fairbairn: £900,000 to support communities experiencing racial inequalities in the UK
Clothworkers Foundation: £200,000 to support communities experiencing racial inequalities in the UK
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