Amanda Holden, Emma Willis and Sir Lenny Henry are among some of the famous faces getting into the spirit of generosity and fun. This is particularly important after a difficult year for millions of families due to the cost of living crisis.

Last year, Red Nose Day raised a staggering £42.8 million. This took the charity’s sum contributions since it was formed to more than £1.5 billion.

Here’s all you need to know about the annual charity event run by Comic Relief.

What is Red Nose Day?

Red Nose Day is the highlight of Comic Relief, the British charity founded in 1985.

The day is celebrated with people worldwide taking part in all sorts of events and fun challenges to help to raise money for children facing poverty.

Comic Relief was initially set up to help those suffering from the famine in Ethiopia. But, over the years, it has evolved to help to raise money for vulnerable and disadvantaged people in both the UK and Africa.

The first Red Nose Day was in 1988 and raised a whopping £15 million.

More than 30 million people tuned in to watch Blackadder the Cavalier Years’ and the Young Ones on University Challenge in the televised event.

There have been many celebrities, such as comic greats Dawn French, Kathy Burke, Catherine Tate and Jennifer Saunders, taking part in hilarious spoofs over the decades.

Johnny Depp, Alan Partridge, the Spice Girls and Elton John have also featured throughout the years to help to raise millions of pounds for charitable causes. These include Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Children in Need, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Coram, The Children’s Society, Catch22 and Porchlight

When is Red Nose Day 2023?

Red Nose Day takes place on Friday, March 17.

BBC One will broadcast a special show that evening featuring a host of stars, live music, exclusive prizes, comedy and much more.

This will be hosted by former Strictly Come Dancing contestant AJ Odudu, Paddy McGuinness, David Tennant, Zoe Ball and Joel Dommett.

Kylie Minogue will appear in a one-off special of BBC sitcom Ghosts. There will also be a laugh-out-loud parody of Love Island featuring unexpected contestants looking for love.

Where to buy noses for Red Nose Day 2023?

The new plant-based red nose are on sale at Comic Relief and Amazon, and if you’re looking to buy one last-minute, Amazon has next day delivery.

The famous Comic Relief red nose has undergone a makeover for 2023.

Described as the most drastic change to the renowned snout since it first appeared in 1988, 95 per cent of it has been made from plant-based materials.

The new plant-based nose was created by Sir Jony Ive, the man behind some of Apple’s greatest creations. It features a unique folding paper design for easy application.

“When I saw the new red nose for this year, I was very impressed,” said Indian actress and stand-up comedian, Sindhu Vee, who starred as Mrs Phelps in the 2022 Netflix adaptation of Matilda the Musical. “It’s very delicate and very beautifully made — and I mean, who doesn’t like a Red Nose?”

A whole host of famous face have already donned their charity noses, including children’s author and DJ Greg James.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the world has been quite sad, particularly over the last three to four years,” said James.

“So, Red Nose Day is a great reminder to look outward and help somebody else.”