It remains one of the nation's favourite mass participation events
Comic Relief’s fundraising total could be the highest in six appeals as it’s on-the-night income showed promising signs of recovery.
Hit by Covid and what analysts deemed giving fatigue, the nationwide spectacular, which took place every two years until 2021 when it became an annual event, has seen revenue drop significantly from its record £78m on-the-night total in 2015.
This year it raised more than £38.6m by the end of the live television show last Friday night, up from £31.9m at the same stage last year.
This year’s total has since passed £40m, organisers Comic Relief said.
Presenter Sir Lenny Henry announced this year would be his last hosting Comic Relief.
On the night, Samir Patel, chief executive of Comic Relief, said the charity was continuing to change lives.
“Tonight was a reminder that when people come together, great things can happen,” he said.
“With so many people struggling, and with millions impacted by poverty and injustice, the money raised this Red Nose Day will make a life-changing difference to so many people here in the UK and around the world.”
You'll be astonished then that even the Palestinians and Sudanese give to charity, despite having very little themselves, @Grant. And if you actually took a more objective view, you'll understand people aren't "supposed to be struggling", they actually are. That's why there's more going to foodbanks than ever, more homeless, more in-work poverty.