Comic Relief has returned for its landmark 40th year, with the UK’s finest ready to entertain viewers.
BBC Comic Relief host Rylan Clark brought the show to a standstill as he excitedly shared the massive fundraising total with the nation.
Comic Relief returned with a bang for its landmark 40th anniversary, with a cavalcade of Britain’s entertainment elite primed to delight viewers during tonight’s Red Nose Day extravaganza.
Starting the evening off with a blast from the past, 80s stars stormed the stage; Limahl of Kajagoogoo fame, T’Pau’s Carol Decker and Andrew Roachford captivated audiences with classic tunes.
Midway through the festivities, Rylan called for a momentary pause to divulge the staggering sum collected for charitable causes.
Addressing both the television audience and those in the studio, 36 year old Rylan expressed: “All this talk of money has got me in the mood and I think now is the right time to see our first bit of the night.”
He then turned to his fellow presenter Alesha Dixon and queried: “What do you think Alesha?” Soon after, the pair were flanked by their co-hosts Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, AJ Odudu, Joel Dommett, and Tom Allen to deliver the thrilling news.
Rylan couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when he revealed that an outstanding £17,534,475 had been raised. He triumphantly announced: “So far – are you ready for this? The total stands at £17,534,475.”
This came on the heels of Jamie Laing’s emotional finish to his epic Ultra Marathon challenge, which saw him earn a phenomenal £2,007,114 for Comic Relief.
The valiant BBC Radio 1 presenter, aged 36, embarked on a formidable 150-mile journey over five days, running from London to Salford, and was visibly moved to tears by his own accomplishment, finding solace in the arms of his wife Sophie Habboo as he reached the end line.
Jamie, overwhelmed with emotion, exclaimed: “Thank you so much. That is unbelievable! You’re changing lives. Thank you so much!”
As he was greeted by exuberant crowds and his Radio 1 colleagues Greg James, Vick Hope, and Jeremiah Asiamah, who revealed the staggering sum he had raised.
Jamie couldn’t contain his joy, saying: “At one point I thought I was down and out. Mentally I was gone, physically I was broken. I didn’t have anything left in me. Something pulled me out. The last kilometre was the most euphoric thing I’ve ever had.”
Comic Relief: Even More Funny for Money will air on Saturday 22nd March at 4:30pm on BBC One
