Comic Relief 2023 smashes £34m target with star-studded bash
Glittering line-up dazzles for a cause
This year’s Comic Relief event pulled in over £34 million, lighting up the night with sketches inspired by hit shows like The Traitors and Eurovision. The star-packed fundraiser featured icons such as Dame Mary Berry, Danny Dyer, and Jamie Dornan. Hosts Paddy McGuinness, David Tennant, and Zoe Ball revealed the massive total live on air, stunning viewers nationwide.
Funds fuel fight against crisis and homelessness
The cash raised will tackle pressing issues including the cost of living crisis, food poverty, mental health struggles, and homelessness. Comic Relief was launched in 1985 by Sir Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis to end child poverty in the UK and beyond. Though Sir Lenny missed this year’s show, he appeared in a poignant pre-recorded appeal to support starving communities in Africa. In a cheeky twist, opening credits saw co-founder Sir Lenny transform into Doctor Who star David Tennant, who paid tribute to him live from Salford’s Media City.
Celebrity stunts and starry performances steal the show
The night was hosted by AJ Odudu, Joel Dommett, and Paddy McGuinness, with live music from Zara Larsson and Tom Grennan. The lead-up saw celebrities rallying hard for charity—BBC’s Gethin Jones danced non-stop for 24 hours, while Radio 1’s Arielle Free took on a cycling challenge.
Royal support and unforgettable sketches
The event featured a heartfelt video from Prince William, who met homeless people helped by Comic Relief. He shared his worries about the ongoing homelessness crisis, revealing his late mother’s frustration over the lack of progress.
Comedy highlights included a hilarious The Traitors spoof with real contestants Maddy and Wilf alongside Dame Mary Berry and Danny Dyer. Kylie Minogue made a surprise appearance, while Sir Tony Robinson charmed viewers as Baldrick, reading a bedtime story. Eurovision was celebrated too, with Graham Norton, Lulu, and last year’s UK entry Sam Ryder forming a mock judging panel searching for the next big British star.
