Look To The Stars News: Comic Relief

Olympic Stars Join JLS For Sport Relief Video

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

The music video for JLS’s official Sport Relief single, Proud, sees three British Olympic medal winners join the UK’s hottest pop group to celebrate the UK’s biggest year of sport.

Swimmer and double gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington, triple jumper and silver medal winner Phillips Idowu and gymnast and bronze medal winner Louis Smith star in the music video alongside JLS.

Directed by Ben Winston, who directed and co-wrote the infamous Smithy sketches for Comic Relief, the video sees JLS performing in an empty Wembley Stadium as the stories of three gifted children unfold. One young boy displays a remarkable talent for leaping; another impresses with his acrobatic break dancing abilities; and a young girl dances triumphantly in the rain as others run for cover.

Celebrities Call On World Leaders For Urgent Horn Of Africa Funds

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A group of global artists, activists and business leaders have signed a joint letter urging world leaders to step up their response to the famine in the Horn of Africa. They call on them to act “without reservation, prevarication or equivocation” when they meet at an emergency summit in Rome.

Among the signatories are Annie Lennox, Bob Geldof, Simon Cowell, Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry, Eddie Izzard, Kristin Scott Thomas, and representatives from charities such as Oxfam, the ONE Campaign, Comic Relief, CAFOD, ActionAid, Save the Children and many others.

“As we write, more than 11 million people are suffering the great agony of the worst famine in Africa for many years. It is incomprehensible that in 2011 anyone should die of starvation. $600 million* is needed now for our fellow humans. Not a great sum for the world, even in a time of great economic difficulty for some. Last week European leaders found over hundred times this amount to shore up the euro and bail out banks, yet countries like France, Italy, the Arab States and Germany have so far given miniscule amounts of money to prevent people dying from hunger. Surely this must be unacceptable? A true measure of strength is how one cares for the weak. A true test of power is how one protects the frail.

Lenny Henry Announces Red Nose Day Total

Mon, 30 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

British comedian Lenny Henry has announced the latest Red Nose Day 2011 total in a special message to supporters of Comic Relief.

“When Comic Relief told me the latest total for Red Nose Day 2011, I asked them if I could write you all a personal ‘thank you’ message and break the record-breaking news myself,” he said in the message. "So, here goes. I hope you’re sitting down.

“The latest total is a staggering £102,166,598!

Lorraine Kelly Named As Charity Ambassador

Wed, 11 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

UK TV personality Lorraine Kelly has become a Sightsavers International Ambassador, after she experienced the charity’s work preventing blindness and restoring sight in the deserts of Northern Kenya.

Lorraine first supported Sightsavers, which works in more than 30 developing countries, through its World Sight Day campaign in 2010. In February 2011 she took part in the 100km BT Red Nose Desert Trek across Northern Kenya, witnessing Sightsavers’ work in the area and helping to raise more than £1.3 million for the charity through Comic Relief.

Stephen Fry Crowned King Of Comedians For Charity

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Stephen Fry reigns the triumphant winner of Walkers Clash of the Comics – a celebrity charity initiative for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day – leaving Frank Skinner, Jimmy Carr and Al Murray to face Denise van Outen and a lot of hot wax!

Stephen Fry has been crowned king of the comedians, as he conquered his fellow funny-men in the battle of a lifetime for Red Nose Day. After weeks of fierce campaigning and underhand smear tactics, Stephen’s limited edition flavor of Walkers crisps, Stephen Fry Up, has out-sold the flavors of the three other comedians. Not only will the three losing comics be hanging their heads in shame as Stephen Fry basks in the glory of his win, but they have also undergone a further stripping of their dignity – and hair! Jimmy Carr, Al Murray and Frank Skinner faced their fears as they underwent the torturous forfeit of being waxed by Denise Van Outen.

The forfeit kicked-off with the unfortunate trio donning hilarious fluffy white dressing gowns for their ‘beauty treatments’! Needless to say, tears were shed, tantrums were had and there was plenty of red-raw flesh to be seen in the beauty salon (particularly on Frank), but the three comedians managed to endure the waxing session with as much good grace as they could muster. Denise proved herself the ultimate amateur waxer, ripping the foliage from Jimmy’s legs like she was born to do it!

Celebrity Red Noses Raise Record Amount For Charity

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Comic Relief delivered another spectacular evening of top TV treats in the UK on Friday, as Red Nose Day 2011 entertained the nation while raising an incredible sum of money to help poor and vulnerable people in the UK and Africa. The TV event raised £74,360,207 (US$118 million) – the highest total reached on the night in Red Nose Day’s 23 year history.

“This is more than we ever believed we would raise,” said organizer Richard Curtis. “The generosity of the British public is staggering.”

The TV extravaganza featured appearances by Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney, David Tennant and Susan Boyle.

George Michael To Give Some Comic Relief To Charity

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Long-term Comic Relief supporter and pop legend George Michael is set to release a new single ‘True Faith’ in support of this year’s Red Nose Day.

The pop legend arranged and produced the single which was originally a hit for New Order in 1987, and the writers, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Hague are also giving their royalties to Comic Relief.

“Over the years, George has been the most tremendous supporter of Comic Relief,” said Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Comic Relief, Richard Curtis. "Out of the blue one year he gave us all the cash from the release of ‘As’, his single with Mary J. Blige. Then he did a brilliant Little Britain ‘Lou and Andy’ sketch – which ended with the inevitable insult slung at him – “I don’t like him.” But most excitingly, he’s giving Comic Relief all his royalties from his new single, ‘True Faith’.

David Walliams' 24 Hour Celebrity Charity Challenge

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Little Britain’s David Walliams has announced a 24 hour comedy challenge as part of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day next month.

The star will host the UK’s first ever 24 hour panel show – 24 Hour Panel People – which will be streamed live online on March 5/6th. The show will then be edited into 5 30-minute shows for BBC Three, and highlights will be shown on BBC One’s coverage of Red Nose Day on March 18.

Girls Aloud Singer Visits South Africa For Red Nose Day

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has travelled to Africa to promote Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day.

The star – who was unable to join the celebrity charity trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009 because of a bad back – recently visited the mothers2mothers project in Cape Town.

“To see the strength these people have is so humbling,” she told Britain’s Daily Star. "I’m amazed at how strong these women and children are… I was asked to do the climb with them but couldn’t because I have a dodgy back.

Katie Price Joins Celebrity Charity Dance Show

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Katie Price will pull on her dancing shoes for Comic Relief’s Let’s Dance spectacular.

Hosted by Alex Jones and Steve Jones, the third series of the celebrity charity show will highlight malaria as it raises money for Comic Relief. Over three weeks, the stars will dance in front of a live studio audience, hoping to secure a place in the grand final.

Joining Katie in the series will be TV star Joe Swash, The Mighty Boosh’s Noel Fielding, Lulu, TV host Penny Smith, Marcus Brigstocke and Philip Martin Brown.

Olly Murs To Take Part In Celebrity Charity Desert Trek

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A bunch of British stars are about to embark on a hot and sweaty trek across a desert as part of a celebrity charity initiative for Comic Relief’s annual Red Nose Day.

Olly Murs, Craig David, Lorraine Kelly, Kara Tointon and X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary will be joined by Ronni Ancona, radio DJ Scott Mills, Peter White and Nadia Sawalha to trek across the Kaisut Desert in Northern Kenya later this month.

The stars will walk over 100 kilometers across the barren land in temperatures that will soar to over 38C (100F).

Stephen Fry Clashes With Comics For Charity

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A new tongue-in-cheek Walkers advert burst on to UK screens on 4th February, previewing a forthcoming “clash of the comics” for this year’s Comic Relief.

The ad catches behind-the-scenes footage of Gary Lineker and four of Britain’s best-loved comedians as they prepare to launch their limited edition crisp flavours – Stephen Fry & Stephen Fry Up, Frank Skinner & Frank Roast Dinner, Jimmy Carr & Jimmy con Carrne and Al Murray & Steak and Al Pie.

The mischievous comedians show it will be every man for himself, as they bid to make their flavour the bestseller and raise over £1million for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. The question is, who will sink and who will swim in the ‘Clash of the Comics’?

Cheryl Cole To Be Comic Relief Malaria Ambassador

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole – who contracted malaria after a trip to Tanzania last month – is set to become an ambassador to raise awareness of the disease in Africa.

Cheryl will become an ambassador for Comic Relief’s work highlighting malaria. The announcement follows her successful attempt to scale Mt Kilimanjaro with the charity last year.

“It is a very brave decision,” a source told Britian’s Sunday Mirror. "Cheryl has thought long and hard about it. This is a life-changing, landmark experience for her. She’s seen how malaria destroys people’s lives and now has firsthand knowledge of just how serious it is. Cheryl got the best care possible when she got back from Tanzania and she is very grateful for it. But she is aware that millions of Africans are not so lucky.

Gary Barlow Plans Second Charity Adventure

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:30:00 +0000

At the ripe age of 39, Gary Barlow is up for anything – even if it’s hiking to the North Pole. For charity, of course.

Don’t underestimate the Take That singer though. Barlow raised more than 1.3 million euros for Comic Relief for leading a team of nine celebrities to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest freestanding mountain in the world.

The Spring 2012 trip will raise money for BBC Sport Relief, a charity in the UK that has a history of attracting celebrities, such as David Walliams swimming across the English Channel and Eddie Izzard’s 43 marathons in 52 days.. BBC Sport Relief incorporates physical activity into fundraisers like their Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile and uses the money for disadvantaged people around the world, whether they be homeless children or people in disease-infected conditions.

Bill Nighy Makes A Flying Start For Charity

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Following his charity trips to Nairobi and Canada last week, British actor Bill Nighy is now throwing his support behind a new charity partnership between Comic Relief and British Airways which aims to raise up to £8 million by 2013 for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the UK and around the world.

The new venture, called Flying Start, aims to create lasting change by giving children and their families the chance to start supporting themselves. British Airways says: “We want to make sure that children have a chance to enjoy their childhood, whether that’s by giving them a break from caring for sick family members, supporting their education or helping children living on city streets to break free from poverty.”

Along with fellow actor Nick Frost, Nighy recently visited Kenya, where he witnessed the children the new charity initiative wants to help firsthand.

Bill Nighy Blogs About G8 Meeting In Canada

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:30:00 +0000

British actor Bill Nighy was in Canada this week for the G8 meeting, and took the opportunity to blog about his experience.

“I arrived at the G8 by a roundabout route,” the star wrote in the Huffington Post. "Just a day earlier, I was standing in Dandora, a toxic tip on the edge of Nairobi where little girls as young as five live on a mound composed of toxic and human waste. They survive by competing with wild pigs for scraps of rubbish, forced to sell their bodies to get access to the richest pickings.

“I was there to bear witness to the good work aid does before traveling to the Toronto summit as Oxfam’s Global Ambassador. Comic Relief, a British charity, rescues children from this dump and gives them schooling in a safe, almost fairytale environment.

British Stars To Walk Inca Trail For Charity, And So Can You

Tue, 25 May 2010 12:30:00 +0000

British celebrities Denise van Outen and Fearne Cotton are to hit the rough paths for charity again – this time for a trek through the Inca Trail.

The pair were part of a group of famous faces who scaled Mt Kilimanjaro last year for Comic Relief, and now they’re pulling on their hiking boots once more – this time for Breast Cancer Care. Along with Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Holly Willoughby and Abbey Clancy, the stars will head to South America in September.

“The Inca trek is something I have always wanted to do – Fearne and I had the idea a while ago and we’re excited that the other girls have signed up,” Denise told The Daily Mirror in the UK. “Ever since we climbed Kili we have been looking for a new challenge.”

Robbie Williams Named As Charity Ambassador

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

British singer Robbie Williams is helping a UK charity celebrate its 10th Anniversary by becoming an official ambassador.

National charity Caudwell Children has announced that the record breaking singer will join Rod Stewart, Elizabeth Hurley and Joan Collins as one of the Charity’s ‘Goodwill Ambassadors’.

Robbie Williams Donates Song To Charity

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

British singer Robbie Williams is to donate his next single to Sport Relief.

Morning Sun has been chosen as the official song for the charity’s 2010 campaign, and will be released on March 8 in the UK.

“I am very happy to donate my time to help Sport Relief and I thank my co-writers for doing the same,” he said. “Please join us in helping this very worthwhile cause.”

David Beckham To Get Oiled Up For Charity

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Comedian James Corden is about to get up close and personal with David Beckham.

Corden – in character as Gavin And Stacey’s Smithy – will give the soccer icon a massage for charity. And Beckham will return the favor afterwards – in a sketch to be broadcast in March on BBC One’s Sport Relief.

“The sketch is hilarious, they couldn’t be more different – the pair of them massaging each other will be a sight to behold,” a source told The Sun.

Little Britain Star To Get On His Bike For Charity

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

British comedian David Walliams is planning to cycle the length of the UK for charity.

The Little Britain star is well known for his charity stunts – in 2006 he swam the English Channel, and in 2008 he swam the Strait of Gibralter. Both swims were to raise money for Comic Relief and Sport Relief – as is his planned cycle ride.

The actor will be joined on his 875-mile trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End – to take place in March – by Jimmy Carr and Miranda Hart, as well as TV hosts Fearne Cotton and Davina McCall.

Kilimanjaro Celebrities Return To Africa

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:30:00 +0000

A group of celebrities who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity last year returned to Africa in December to see how the money they raised was being spent.

Take That’s Gary Barlow, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Chris Moyles, Ben Shephard and Fearne Cotton were back in Tanzania just prior to Christmas to film a BBC documentary for Comic Relief. The film aims to raise awareness of malaria, and the group spent time at the Bulimya mosquito net distribution centre.

“Handing those nets to people who needed and wanted them so desperately was an unforgettable thing to be given the chance to do,” said Kimberley Walsh. “Almost all of them were parents and they were desperate to be able to protect their children – it was great to play a small part in it.”

Eddie Izzard Encourages Good Health And Fitness

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

British actor/comedian Eddie Izzard is using his recent award for the 43 marathons he ran for charity earlier this year to encourage people in the UK get fitter.

The star was presented with a special award at the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year event on Sunday, December 13, for his effort, which saw him run 1,100 miles in 51 days for Sport Relief. The run raised over US$300,000 for the charity, which is part of Comic Relief.

And now the star is urging the people of the UK to follow his lead and get fitter.

British Celebrity Show Benefits Malaria No More

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Malaria No More has revealed that it will be the sole benefactor of the current season of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here” screening on the UK’s ITV.

The show features a group of celebrities as they try to survive living in the Australian jungle, and the new season includes famous faces such as former model and singer Samantha Fox and Dynasty star George Hamilton. Ex-EastEnder Lucy Benjamin and snooker ace Jimmy White are also taking part in the show.

Malaria No More will benefit from every phone vote made by members of the public as they choose their favorite celebrities on the show. And it is an initiative that is backed by the show’s contestants.

Gordon Ramsay Gets Saucy For Charity

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:30:00 +0000

British chef Gordon Ramsay has created a new range of sources to provide a sauce of funds for Comic Relief … sorry, let’s try that again. British chef Gordon Ramsay has created a new range of sauces to provide a source of funds for Comic Relief.

At least 10p from the sale of every jar of Seriously Good sauces will fund Comic Relief charity projects in the UK and around the world. Available in five flavors – including Bolognese & Red Wine and Spicy Red Pepper & Spianata Sausage – the sauces have taken three years for the chef and his team to develop.

“I’ve seen first hand the difference money raised through Comic Relief can make, which inspired me to get involved,” said Ramsay. “We’ve created a range inspired by the Mediterranean using only top quality ingredients. As you know, I don’t do anything by halves but don’t take my word for it – just put one into your trolley and you’ll be helping Comic Relief.”