Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Sir Lenny Henry, Zoe Ball and Matt Baker will present BBC One's charity show 'The Big Night In'.

Davina McCall

Davina McCall

On April 23, the biggest names in the entertainment world will come together for the special show, which is a joint effort between BBC charities Children in Need and Comic Relief, to raise spirits during the coronavirus pandemic.

Former 'Big Brother' and 'Celebrity Big Brother' host Davina said: "'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!"

And former 'Take Me Out' host Paddy commented: "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."

Matt - who organises the Children in Need rickshaw challenge every year - said: "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. "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.'"

BBC Radio 2's Zoe added: "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 people 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 and help us raise some much needed dosh for those projects helping our loved ones in our local communities."

And comedian Lenny - who co-founded Comic Relief in 1985 with comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis in response to the famine in Ethiopia - added: "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."

The star-studded programme will see Peter Kay return to TV for the first time in two years, and see appearances from Take That's Gary Barlow and comedienne Catherine Tate.

The 46-year-old comedian - who starred in 'Car Share', which finished in May 2018, but aired an audio-only episode on BBC iPlayer last week - said: "Children in Need and Comic Relief are merging for the very first to time to raise money and raise spirits.

"We've got special guests, some famous faces. I can tell you today that Peter Kay is joining us.

"Catherine Tate and Gary Barlow, with lots of musical guests.

"It's going to be a fantastic night. we want to cheer people up in this terrible crisis.

"Even if you can't donate, just watch because it'll cheer you up."

There will be "big surprises, 'money can't buy' prizes, live music performances by artists" from their living rooms, and much more.

The evening will also help raise vital funds for both charities to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK.

It will also help people of all ages who are vulnerable, and educate people on how to stay connected with their community and combat loneliness in isolation.

'The Big Night In' will be broadcast on BBC One on April 23 between 7pm and 10pm.

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