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. This is the first time the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, have come together and the aim of the evening is to celebrate and reward those going the extra mile to support their communities in these 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.
Lenny Henry says: “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.”
Davina McCall says: “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 says: “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.”
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced last Wednesday at the government’s daily press briefing that the UK Treasury would match pound for pound any contributions the public decide they are able to make.
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.
Funds raised on the night will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need. This funding will not only provide vital emergency support to ensure vulnerable people of all ages are safe, warm and fed, but will also ensure that they are able to continue to learn, and stay connected in order to combat isolation and loneliness.
Broadcast live, while respecting all current social isolating government protocols, The Big Night In produced by BBC Studios Entertainment will be on BBC One on Thursday 23 April, 7-10pm.
The Big Night In 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.
The show will be broadcast live in a new way and will follow all current government protocol around health and safety and social distancing.
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