Dame Judi Dench, Sir Lenny Henry and Benedict Cumberbatch have helped launched this year's Red Nose Day campaign, as Comic Relief says “it’s never felt more important to have some fun and raise money".
The event returns on March 19 and this year features the Share A Smile initiative, which aims to bring the country together using humour.
To launch the fundraiser, the stars have appeared in a short film as they discuss how comedy and laugher has helped them in their lives.
“I think laughter is a panacea it is and has always been a national medicine,” said Benedict Cumberbatch. “I think people reach out for it in lockdown. It was a comedy rather than a tragedy that people first went for.”
Dame Judi Dench said: "Red Nose Day is something we can all enjoy, and goodness knows during this lockdown everyone has relied so much on television and seeing as many films as they can.
"I look forward to it enormously. I hope we all have a wonderful laugh and at the same time donate something as it goes to a very, very good cause."
Stars also supporting the campaign include Shappi Khorsandi, Joe Lycett, Mo Gilligan and radio host Roman Kemp.
Money raised this year will go towards tackling issues such as homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and stigma around mental health.
Funds will also be donated to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny Henry discussed the growth of Red Nose Day, saying that initially a lot of people didn’t know what Comic Relief was and thought it was going to be “silly and crude.”
“What’s been amazing is that we’ve been going on for 35 years and people trust now that we can produce comedy and products that can make a difference,” he said.
Hosts for the Red Nose Day night of TV include singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, actor David Tennant, presenter Davina McCall and comedian Paddy McGuinness.
The programme will feature Dawn French in a special segment of The Vicar Of Dibley and Mr Tennant and Michael Sheen in the comedy Staged.
Since its launch in 1988, Comic Relief, founded by Sir Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, has raised more than £1.4 billion.
Red Nose Day will also go green this year, as the red noses for this year's campaign are plastic-free and made from plant-based materials.
