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COMIC Relief returns to our screens in March 2024 to raise money for those in need.

The highlight of the annual event is Red Nose Day, a live telethon which has raised millions of pounds to help people living in poverty around the world.

Comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry will be back hosting Comic Relief
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Comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry will be back hosting Comic ReliefCredit: Richard Davenport/Comic Relief

What is the theme of Red Nose Day 2024?

The slogan of Red Nose Day is "Do something funny for money".

The day is raising funds to "help put food on plates, roofs over heads and keep little ones safe".

Although the theme doesn't change, Comic Relief often launches new red noses - and 2024 is no different.

There will be four fun characters to collect – as well as a one in 166 chance to get your hands on a limited edition Rare "Gold" Nose, known as the Golden Hooter.

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The four new noses are Gigglesworth, McChortles, Smirklethorpe or Lol E Pops - with the latter "red" nose actually being blue.

On top of this, the noses are made from plant-based materials meaning they can be recycled at home.

The states that “they’re silly, but will make a serious difference”.

It adds that “year after year, our famous Red Noses remind us that even the littlest of things can make a huge difference”.

The fun nose is part of the special day which, despite the seriousness of the appeal, involves funny sketches and humorous moments.

The official slogan of Comic Relief is "A just world free from poverty".

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Noses are available on the and storefront page.

When is Red Nose Day 2024?

Red Nose Day takes place on Friday, March 15, 2024.

The telethon will be broadcast live from Media City UK, Salford, on BBC One from 7pm until 10pm.

It will show a range of sketches, and include celebrity guests and music stars doing their bit for a good cause.

There are also a number of shows which typically air in the lead-up to the event, including Radio 1’s Mollie King swapping her mic for a bike for a staggering solo 500km cycle across England to raise money for Red Nose Day.

Sir Lenny Henry will be joined by Joel Dommett, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Romesh Ranganathan and David Tennant, along with Maya Jama and Rosie Ramsey - who will be making their Red Nose Day live debuts.

Alan Partridge will even return with a special guest on his radio show.

While comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will reunite for a special Red Nose Day message.

There will be another star-studded cast on the show
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There will be another star-studded cast on the showCredit: Getty

There will be a bittersweet search to find Sir Lenny's replacement as host as well as an all-star line-up in The Traitors: The Movie.

Sir Lenny announced in January 2024 that this would be his last year as host.

There will also be live appearances from Luke Littler, Martin Lewis and The Gladiators.

At 10pm Comic Relief programming moves to BBC Two for When Comic Relief Did Big Brother, before returning to BBC One at 10.40pm for The Best Of The Best Bits.

Comic Relief: A Whole Lotta Lenny, which celebrates Sir Lenny's decades-long stint hosting Red Nose Day, will also air at 10.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

What is Red Nose Day?

Red Nose Day is a televised fundraiser for the Comic Relief appeal.

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Comic Relief is an operating British charity, founded in 1985 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Sir Lenny Henry in response to the famine in Ethiopia.

Red noses are sold, which can be worn by those who buy one to raise awareness.

Is Comic Relief the same as Red Nose Day?

COMIC Relief is a charity started by Richard Curtis and Jane Tewson in July 1985.

It was also co-founded by Peter Bennett-Jones and Sir Lenny Henry.

While Comic Relief is the name of the charity, Red Nose Day is the actual event where people and celebrities are encouraged to take part in fundraising events.

These include cake bakes, sporting challenges and wearing red clothes - and red noses - to school.

You can purchase a Red Nose or other merchandise from the .

The very first Red Nose Day was in 1988 and raised £15million.

In 2023, £35,310,407 was raised, but the biggest amount was in 2011, which saw an incredible £108,436,277 donated.

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