Judi Dench launches Red Nose Day
Dame Judi Dench launching this year's Red Nose Day fundraising campaign.Picture: Jacqui Black/Comic Relief/PA Wire
Dame Judi Dench, Sir Lenny Henry and Benedict Cumberbatch have launched this year's Red Nose Day fundraising campaign.
The event returns next month and this year features the Share A Smile initiative, which aims to bring people together using humour.
Actress Dame Judi, comedian and Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny, and actor Cumberbatch have been joined by a string of other famous faces to launch the fundraiser.
Comedians Shappi Khorsandi, Joe Lycett and Mo Gilligan and radio host Roman Kemp are also supporting the Comic Relief fundraiser.
The stars have appeared in a short film in which they discuss how comedy has helped them in their lives.
The video also features Comic Relief projects such as the Inverclyde Shed, an initiative in Glasgow which aims to combat loneliness.
Money raised this year will go towards tackling issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse, and the stigma around mental health. Funds will also be donated to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Dame Judi said:
Sir Lenny said: "We all need cheering up, so this year Red Nose Day will be a bit different. Of course we want to raise as much money as possible for people who really need it in the UK and around the world. But we also want to make you smile and bring you some laughter over the coming weeks!"
Hosts for the Red Nose Day night of TV include singer Alesha Dixon, actor David Tennant, presenter Davina McCall and comedians Paddy McGuinness and Sir Lenny.
The programme will feature Dawn French in a special segment of and Tennant and Michael Sheen in the comedy .
Comic Relief has raised more than £1.4 billion over 35 years.
- Red Nose Day will take place on March 19.
