Red Nose Day 2026: Get Ready for 'Funny for Money' with Star-Studded Sketches and Challenges

Red Nose Day is back with its annual celebration of comedy and fundraising on Friday, March 20, 2026. The event, themed 'Funny for Money,' promises an evening packed with entertainment, including hilarious sketches, special guest appearances, and challenging feats, all aimed at raising vital funds for those in need both in the UK and globally. Tune in to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm for a night dedicated to laughter and making a difference.

Key Takeaways

• Date and Time: Friday, March 20, 2026, starting at 7pm.

• Broadcasting: Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with simultaneous streaming on the official BBC YouTube channel.

• Theme: 'Take Yourself Funny for Money,' encouraging silliness for a good cause.

• Fundraising Goal: To provide essential food, shelter, and safety for people facing hardship.

• Accessibility: Features Audio Description (AD) and Sign Language options.

A Night of Comedy and Entertainment

The 'Funny for Money' show will be hosted by a familiar lineup of presenters, including Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Katherine Ryan, and Nick Mohammed, with Catherine Tate reprising her role as Nan. Viewers can expect a variety of side-splitting sketches, including "The Bank Job" starring Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, "Amandaland," and a sequel to the popular "The Traitors." Other comedic highlights include "Withering Heights" featuring Katherine Ryan and Jon Richardson, and a special "Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link" hosted by Romesh Ranganathan on BBC Two.

Star-Studded Appearances and Challenges

This year's event boasts an impressive roster of celebrity cameos, with stars such as Sir Ian McKellen, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Gordon Ramsay, and Julia Roberts set to make appearances. Adding to the excitement, Radio 1's Greg James is undertaking his most demanding challenge yet: a 1,000km tandem cycle across the UK, starting from Weymouth on March 13th and finishing in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day itself. The broadcast will also feature a special message from Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny Henry.

Additional Programming

Following the main show, BBC Two will air "Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link" at 10pm. Highlights from the big night will be available in "Comic Relief: More Funny For Money" on Saturday, March 21st, on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. A compilation of memorable musical performances, "Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems at the BBC," will also be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two. Leading up to the event, "The One Show" on Thursday, March 19th, will offer an exclusive preview, and "Blue Peter" will transform into "Red Peter" for a special Red Nose Day episode on Friday, March 20th.

The History and Impact of Comic Relief

Founded in 1985 by Lenny Henry, Richard Curtis, and Jane Tewson, Comic Relief has raised over £1.6 billion since its inception. The first Red Nose Day in 1988 captivated 30 million viewers and raised £15 million. The funds raised through Red Nose Day 2026 will support organisations working to combat poverty and injustice, providing essential resources like food, shelter, and safety to those in need worldwide.

Sources

• Red Nose Day 2026 - How to watch Comic Relief: Funny for Money, sketches, challenges and everything you needto know, BBC.

• When is Red Nose Day in 2026 and how did it start?, BBC.

• Red Nose Day 2026 preview - Comic Relief, British Comedy Guide.

• Verifying Device, The Sun.