Comic Relief tonight: What time the BBC show starts and who is on the schedule
There is loads on to make you laughComic Relief is back for another evening of funnies and fundraising tonight – but what time does it start?
The huge BBC show has a packed schedule as the nation digs deep for Red Nose Day 2026.
But what can you expert from the evening and who will be on your screen?
Here’s everything we know about Comic Relief tonight, including the line-up and skits that the Beeb has in store.
Comic Relief tonight: Who’s on the schedule?
Tonight’s Comic Relief has a bumper schedule as our favourite celebrities do all they can to raise money for the cause.
The main show, Comic Relief Funny For Money, will feature Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary starring together in a sketch called The Bank Job.
Alison and Dermot will attempt a “heist to end all heists”, although they need to watch out. Idris Elba is reprising the role of DCI John Luther and is hot on their heels.
But will he be able to thwart them?
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
Meanwhile Traitors fans are in for a treat with The Traitors: The Movie – The Sequel. It has been dubbed by Comic Relief as ‘THE blockbuster movie of the year’.
Ruby Wax has ‘directed’ the movie and the cast includes Iain Stirling, Vicky Pattison and Alison Steadman. There will also be some very familiar faces from this year’s Traitors series, too.
Fans of Amandaland can get excited. Coming straight to you from SoHa, Amanda – played by Lucy Punch – has been invited to appear on DJ Sara Cox’s Radio 2 show.
While ‘on air’, Amanda and Sara unexpectedly encounter some very famous Amandas. Enter Amanda Holden, Amanda Lamb, Amanda Barrie, Amanda Byram and Amanda Collier!
Finally, there’s another sketch with Katherine Ryan and Jon Richardson to look forward to. They are taking on Withering Heights (yes, you read that correctly!).
Also expect to also hear from Greg James, who will be completing his epic 630-mile tandem ride for Comic Relief today.
Who is hosting Comic Relief 2026?
TV royalty Davina McCall will be the main host of Comic Relief’s Funny For Money. She will also be joined by Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Joel Dommett and Catherine Tate – as Nan!
Some of your favourite shows have also been given the Red Nose Day treatment too.
Away from the main telethon, you can expect an instalment of Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link and a special edition of Blue Peter, renamed Red Peter.
A special archive show, called Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems, will also be airing.
See below for channels and exact times.
Which musicians will perform?
As always, there will be some musical performances during the main Comic Relief show.
Calum Scott will be taking to the stage, along with Blessing Offor.
Influencers Ayame, Sarel, Victor Kunda and Specs Gonzalez will also come together as a band for a special performance.
They named their band Busk and will be appearing on the Comic Relief YouTube channel beforehand for a pre-show interview at 6.30pm.
What time does Comic Relief start?
For eager beavers, the Comic Relief Pre-Show starring Busk starts at 6.30pm on the official Comic Relief YouTube Channel.
The main show, Comic Relief Funny For Money, kicks off at 7pm on BBC One (Friday March 20, 2026). It will run until 10pm.
You can then switch over to BBC Two to catch Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link. That starts at 10pm.
If you don’t fancy that, there is a Post Show airing at 10pm back over on the YouTube channel.
For the little ones, there will be Red Peter: Red Nose Day Takeover! available to stream on CBBC’s iPlayer from today.
This year’s Comic Relief then rounds off with Hits and Hidden Gems on BBC Two at 8.45pm on Saturday March 21, following by a Comic Relief 2026 Highlights show at 4.35pm on BBC One on Sunday.
We can’t wait!
