The presenting line-up for BBC One’s The Big Night In has been confirmed today; Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness will be hosting the show live on Thursday 23 April.

Matt Baker says: “At a time when in my generation, the UK has never felt more together we’re inviting everyone to share a Big Night In. As a board member of BBC Children in Need for many years the very purpose of what we do is to be there for those who need us the most at a time when they need us the most. Through the power of TV together with Comic Relief we’ll support, give thanks and acknowledge how we’re making the best of the situation we find ourselves in. It’s my honour to host The Big Night In.”

Zoe Ball says: “We are always so blown away by folks generosity each year supporting comic relief and children in need and now during these extraordinary times more than ever folk in our communities are in need of our love and support. So join us from the comfort of your sofas superheroes, for a night of daft joy, entertainment and inspiration & help us raise some much needed dosh for those projects helping our loved ones in our local communities.”

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 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.

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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For further details contact Ruth Howlett, [email protected] or Henni Cardy, [email protected]

Notes for Editors

About BBC Children In Need

BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. The charity will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.

BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 3,000 local charities and projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.

To find out more about BBC Children in Need visit: bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

About Comic Relief

Comic Relief raises money to support people living incredibly tough lives. Through humour and stories of hope, we’ve shown that people can make a massive difference. We fund hundreds of amazing organisations who are working on the ground to support the most vulnerable people and communities in society including many of those hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. This includes vulnerable children and young people, people who are homeless or living in extreme poverty, women and families at risk of domestic abuse and those struggling with existing or new mental health problems.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios Production makes around 2000 hours of content annually for the BBC and other UK and international broadcasters and received 79 awards and over 300 nominations over the past year, making it the most awarded producer in the UK. Spanning drama, comedy, factual, factual entertainment, entertainment, music and events, its award-winning credits include Strictly Come Dancing, Blue Planet II, Doctor Who, Good Omens, This Country, Famalam, Louis Theroux and Later With Jools, Glastonbury, Eurovision, as well as much-loved long-running series like Top Gear, EastEnders, DIY SOS and Countryfile. Since launching as a commercial business in April 2017, BBC Studios has won over 30 third-party commissions, including commissions from Apple, National Geographic, Channel 4, Sky, UKTV, Channel 5, Discovery, PBS, Quibi, ABC in Australia and Migu in China.

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