David Farnor | On 23, Apr 2020

The BBC has confirmed the full line-up for The Big Night In on Thursday night.

The variety show will be presented live by Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness in a move to celebrate the acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, have come together and the aim of the evening is to celebrate and reward those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times.

The three-hour show will feature musical acts, money can’t buy prizes, comedy sketches and messages from a whole range of stars.

That will include 10 actors who have all played The Doctor on Doctor Who – Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker and Jo Martin – recording a thank you for the NHS and frontline workers – a choreography session with Strictly’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, a The Trip-style segment from Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, an appearance from the cast of Miranda (including, of course, Miranda Hart), stand-up from Nish Kumar, Jason Manford, Rosie Jones, Tez Ilyas, Dane Baptiste, The Lost Voice Guy and Russell Kane, music from Matt Lucas (Baked Potato), Sam Smith (Lay Me Down), Celeste (Lean on Me), plus a performance of Sing led by Gary Barlow and featuring Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, Gregory Porter and more.

Dave Grohl will premiere a new Live Lounge version of Times Like These, while Peter Kay will present a public-backed remake of (Is This the Way to) Amarillo. Also on the bill are Romesh Ranganathan, delivering an update from his Isolation Diary, and a pub quiz from EastEnders’ Queen Vic by Ian Beale, plus appearances from the stars of People Just Do Nothing and Bad Education skit with Jack Whitehall, Matthew Horne and Anthony Joshua.

All these join the already confirmed return of Little Britain for the first in a decade, with a new sketch from Matt Lucas and David Walliams, plus Catherine Tate reprising her schoolgirl Lauren character – now struggling as she is homeschooled by David Tennant.

Broadcast live, while respecting all current social isolating government protocols, The Big Night In produced by BBC Studios Entertainment will be on BBC One on Thursday 23rd April, from 7pm to 10pm.

Funds raised on the night will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need. The government will match pound for pound any contributions the public decide they are able to make.

 

BBC One announces The Big Night In

16th April 2020

BBC One has announced the line-up for its Big Night In special.

The variety show will be presented live by Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness in a move to celebrate the acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, have come together and the aim of the evening is to celebrate and reward those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times.

Celebrities already confirmed to be taking part on the night, from the safety of their homes, include Peter Kay and Gary Barlow. Matt Lucas and David Walliams will also bring Little Britain back to TV for the first time in a decade with a special sketch, while Catherine Tate will reprise her schoolgirl Lauren character – now struggling as she is taught remotely by David Tennant.

The three-hour show will feature musical acts, money can’t buy prizes, comedy sketches and lots more surprises on the night. Viewers will have the opportunity to donate, should they feel able to do so, to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis.

Zoe Ball says: “We are always so blown away by folks generosity each year supporting comic relief and children in need and now during these extraordinary times more than ever folk in our communities are in need of our love and support. So join us from the comfort of your sofas superheroes, for a night of daft joy, entertainment and inspiration and help us raise some much needed dosh for those projects helping our loved ones in our local communities.”

Lenny Henry says: “I’ve been part of the Comic Relief family for years, and at times like these it’s so important we all come together to support one another, which is why we’ve joined forces with BBC Children in Need for The Big Night In. We want to shine a light on the amazing things communities are doing and keep you entertained while you can’t leave your homes. Both charities will be supporting a huge number of smaller charities and projects that will be protecting the most vulnerable people in society, so it’s going to be a brilliant night for a great cause.”

Broadcast live, while respecting all current social isolating government protocols, The Big Night In produced by BBC Studios Entertainment will be on BBC One on Thursday 23rd April, from 7pm to 10pm.

Add to Watchlist