BBC’s Big Night In raises £27m for coronavirus relief fund

Government has pledged to match the total raised from the three-hour telethon

The BBC’s Big Night In managed to raise more than £27m with Comic Relief and Children in Need.

Some of the UK’s biggest stars in TV and comedy came together in a virtual show to raise money for those impacted by Covid-19.

At the end of the three-hour special, host Paddy McGuinness revealed that viewers had helped raise £27,398,675. The government has pledged to match the total.

David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Matt Smith and a number of Doctor Who actors put together a Timelord reunion, while Coronation Street joined forces with EastEnders for a pub quiz.

Matt Baker returned to host a special version of The One Show just weeks after his departure.

Catherine Tate made a guest appearance, while Comic Relief co-founder Lenny Henry joined Davina McCall and Zoe Ball as hosts.

A special Live Lounge performance of Foo Fighters track “Times Like These” was put together with artists including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Bastille’s Dan Smith and drummer Chris “Woody” Wood, AJ Tracey, Paloma Faith and Dave Grohl himself.

To donate to the BBC’s Big Night In, text HOPE to 70210 to donate £10 or HOPE to 70220 to donate £20. Find out about the BBC’s terms and conditions on its website.

Read our review of The Big Night In here.