Red Nose Day 2026: How to Watch Comic Relief’s Big Night of TV and Support the Cause
The biggest night of comedy, entertainment and fundraising is almost here as Red Nose Day returns on Friday, March 20, 2026. Comic Relief: Funny for Money will be live from MediaCityUK in Salford on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 7pm, and for the particularly first time, live streamed simultaneously on the official BBC YouTube channel.
What to Expect from Comic Relief: Funny for Money
This year’s display promises to be as fun-filled and energy-packed as ever, with an evening of live performances, amazing prizes, surprise cameos, and must-spot sketches, all to raise vital funds to help people access food, shelter and safety – both in the UK and around the world.
Red Nose Day presenting royalty Davina McCall will front the full evening of entertainment, joined by comedy heavy-hitters like Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Joel Dommett, and Catherine Tate (as Nan from The Catherine Tate Show).
Viewers can anticipate unmissable moments and surprises, including sketches like ‘The Bank Job’, starring Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, and segments featuring popular BBC shows such as The Traitors and Amandaland.
Accessibility Features
Comic Relief: Funny for Money will be the most accessible Red Nose Day big night of TV to date. An Audio Description (AD) will be available on BBC One via the AD button on TV remotes, through the “Audio Described” category on iPlayer, or by toggling the speech bubble icon. Signing will similarly be available via the Red Button and on iPlayer, as well as through Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Beyond the Main Show: Special Programmes
Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link
The fun continues at 10pm on BBC Two with Romesh Ranganathan hosting a special episode of Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link. Six comedians will compete in this late-night version of the iconic quiz show, hoping to avoid the walk of shame and be crowned champion.
Comic Relief: More Funny For Money / Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems at the BBC
On Saturday, March 21, BBC iPlayer and BBC One will air a special highlights show, Comic Relief: More Funny For Money. A new compilation, Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems at the BBC, will feature performances from artists including Adele, One Direction, The Spice Girls, Sam Smith, John Legend, Helen Mirren, Robbie Coltrane, and Alan Partridge. This collection showcases iconic musical moments from Red Nose Day’s rich archive and will also be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.
The One Show
On Thursday, March 19, The One Show will preview the biggest sketches and studio moments from Red Nose Day, including a behind-the-scenes look at Amandaland and live coverage of BBC Radio 1’s Greg James at the finish line of his epic Longest Ride for Red Nose Day.
Red Peter: Red Nose Day Takeover!
On Friday, March 20, Blue Peter will become Red Peter, joining in the Red Nose Day fun with a special episode featuring stars from Gladiators Epic Pranks and CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up. Joel will also attempt springboard diving as part of a last-to-laugh challenge.
Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James
Greg James is undertaking an epic 1,000km endurance tandem cycle across the UK, setting off from Weymouth on March 13 and finishing in Edinburgh on March 20, to raise funds for Red Nose Day. Broadcast live throughout the week on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds, with daily coverage on BBC Morning Live and weekend coverage on BBC Radio 2, the journey will feature special guests and opportunities for local communities to show their support.
The Creator Band for Red Nose Day
This Red Nose Day, Ayame, Sarel, Victor Kunda and Specs Gonzalez are forming a band and will perform live on the night of TV. A special Comic Relief YouTube series will follow their rehearsals and preparation.
How to Donate
There are a host of ways to get involved and Take Yourself Funny for Money. For more information on how to donate or order a fundraising pack, visit the Red Nose Day website.
Funds raised will help provide food, shelter, and safety to those in need in the UK and around the world.