Comic Relief 2026 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Red Nose Day Fundraiser
The annual Red Nose Day charity appeal is set to return with a spectacular evening of entertainment, featuring a host of beloved British celebrities. Comic Relief: Funny For Money, airing live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promises an array of comedic sketches, special performances, and celebrity appearances, all dedicated to raising funds for vital causes.
Celebrity Hosts and Performers Take Centre Stage
Davina McCall will front the fundraising show, joined by comedians Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Joel Dommett, and Catherine Tate. The event boasts an impressive roster of stars, including Sir Idris Elba, TV presenter Alison Hammond, and a variety of other well-known faces from the entertainment industry.
Highlight Sketches and Parodies
Among the anticipated segments is The Bank Job, a sketch starring Sir Idris Elba alongside Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, and comedian Chris McCausland, as they embark on a daring heist to generate donations. Another major feature is The Traitors: The Movie – The Sequel, a parody of the hit BBC reality series, with Anna Friel stepping into the role of presenter Claudia Winkleman, supported by Vicky Pattison and Iain Stirling.
Further comedic offerings include Withering Heights, a parody of the recent Wuthering Heights film adaptation, featuring Katherine Ryan and Jon Richardson’s audition tapes for the roles of Cathy and Heathcliff. An Amandaland-inspired sketch will see Lucy Punch and Philippa Dunne interview with BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox, encountering a host of famous Amandas, including Amanda Holden and Amanda Barrie.
Appeal Films and Charity Updates
Throughout the evening, appeal films presented by Welsh actor Michael Sheen will highlight Red Nose Day's mission, showcasing how donations support individuals and communities both in the UK and internationally. Additionally, viewers can expect an update on Radio 1's Greg James, who is undertaking an epic 1,000km tandem cycle from Weymouth to Edinburgh, concluding on Red Nose Day to raise money for the charity.
How to Watch Comic Relief 2026
Comic Relief: Funny For Money will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm on Friday. For the first time, the event will also be livestreamed on the official BBC YouTube channel, ensuring audiences can tune in from various platforms to support the charitable cause.
