The BBC has confirmed the line-up of presenters who will front BBC One’s upcoming charity entertainment show The Big Night In.
Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness will host the show live on Thursday 23 April.
The Big Night In will celebrate the acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic with a special night of programming for BBC One.
Big Night In first
This is the first time the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, have come together. The aim of the evening is to celebrate and reward those supporting their communities in troubled times.
Celebrities already confirmed to be taking part on the night, from the safety of their homes, are Peter Kay, Catherine Tate and Gary Barlow; and there are a huge host of famous names yet to be announced.
The star-studded show will feature musical acts, money can’t buy prizes, comedy sketches and lots more surprises on the night.
“At a time when in my generation, the UK has never felt more together we’re inviting everyone to share a Big Night In”, Baker said.
“As a board member of BBC Children in Need for many years the very purpose of what we do is to be there for those who need us the most at a time when they need us the most.
“Through the power of TV together with Comic Relief we’ll support, give thanks and acknowledge how we’re making the best of the situation we find ourselves in. It’s my honour to host The Big Night In.”
Charity support
Zoe Ball added: “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 said: “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 whilst 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.”
Coming together, apart!
Davina McCall said: “The Big Night In is an amazing way for us all to come together and show how much of an impact we can make on the lives of those who need our support.
“We all get to celebrate our friends, families and neighbours who are doing such incredible work in the community. Join us from your living rooms, it’s going to be a really special evening!”
Paddy McGuinness said: “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to show my appreciation. Thank you to all the amazing key workers out there and our fantastic NHS.”
UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced last Wednesday that the Treasury would match pound-for-pound any contributions the public makes.
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.
Needy causes
Funds raised on the night will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief. They’ll provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need.
This funding will provide vital emergency support to ensure vulnerable people of all ages are safe, warm and fed; and will also ensure they’re able to continue to learn, and stay connected in order to combat isolation and loneliness.
The show will be broadcast live “in a new way”, while respecting all current social isolating government protocols. The Big Night In is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment will be on BBC One on Thursday 23 April, 7-10pm.
The show was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director BBC Content and Kate Phillips, Controller BBC Entertainment Commissioning for BBC One.
The commissioner for the BBC is Katie Taylor. Peter Davey and Colin Hopkins are the Executive Producers for BBC Studios Entertainment.