Dermot O'Leary on 24 hour Comic Relief dance challenge: 'It's worse than a marathon'

The presenter says he 'never wants to dance again'

Dermot O'Leary begins his danceathon for Comic Relief 2015 (BBC)

An exhausted looking Dermot O’Leary is close to finishing his 24 hour danceathon to raise money for Comic Relief.

The presenter has danced non-stop without any sleep for over 21 hours and will finally get to sit down at 7pm tonight.

O'Leary told the BBC he's "not a natural dancer" but has been swaying to the music while taking his toilet breaks during the challenge.

Although his money-raising stunt is meant to provide some light entertainment, many have commented that Dermot's dancing looks more painful than fun.

O'Leary has been joined throughout his danceathon by a number of famous faces including Jamie Oliver, Lenny Henry, Matt Baker, Alex Jones and Holly Willoughby.

The presenter has also been dancing along to music from special guests, including a live performance of “All Rise” from Blue, “Mamma Do The Hump” from Rizzle Kicks and “Move from Little Mix”.

The 41-year-old said: “I’ve done a couple of marathons but nothing has prepared me for this”.

Viewers can watch the remainder of O’Leary’s “Day of Dance” live on the BBC 2 website and the BBC red button, before he finishes his danceathon on TV as part of BBC1’s Comic Relief broadcast.

Money raised from Dermot’s Day of Dance will go to help give street children in Kenya and underprivileged young people living in the UK.

Those wishing to sponsor the presenter can visit rednoseday.com/Dermot.

Comic Relief starts tonight, Friday 13 March, at 7pm on BBC1.

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