When is the BBC'S Big Night In on TV? Special guests, performances and everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about the BBC's star-studded charity event
Two of the BBC's biggest charities are coming together for a night of live entertainment in April.
Comic Relief and Children in Need will be teaming up for The Big Night In to "support, entertain, cheer up and help out anyone who needs any or all of those things".
The show will also feature some famous faces, including a comedy legend's much-anticipated comeback and the Strictly cast with a fun initiative for everyone to get involved at home.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the BBC's Big Night In.
When is The Big Night In on TV?
The Big Night In will air on BBC One on Thursday 23rd April at 7pm. It's likely the show will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
What's it all about?
The phrase "dark/challenging/times times" has been used a lot lately to describe the coronavirus crisis and its impact on the world. The Big Night In is a response to that, promising to bring some light into British homes.
The charity event will comply with the current government-mandated self-isolation rules, with many of the famous faces tuning in from home. According to a statement by the BBC, there will be chances to win "money can't buy prizes", live music performances and "big surprises".
Viewers will also get the chance to donate, if they feel able to do so, and support "vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis."
The funds raised will be split evenly between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief.
Who will feature?
The Big Night In will mark comedian Peter Kay's comeback, following on from his recently announced, audio-only episode of Car Share. It will be Kay's first public appearance since 2017.
Not only will Kay be performing a comedy routine, but he'll also recreate his iconic Amarillo video for the event. He's even asked key workers to film themselves marching to the Tony Christie hit.
Lenny Henry, Matt Baker, Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness will co-host together (while at a safe distance).
Catherine Tate will also be delivering on the comedy front, with Gary Barlow on hand to perform and the Strictly cast giving tips on dancing around the house while on lockdown.
You can see the full line up below:
- Miranda Hart and the cast of Miranda in self-isolation
- The Vicar of Dibley’s Lockdown Sermon
- Dave Grohl and friends with the TV premier of a new BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge version of Times Like These
- Steve Coogan & Rob Brydon in the Trip
- Catherine Tate and David Tennant - Lauren the ‘Am I Bovvered’ teenager gets home-schooled
- Matt Lucas and his ‘Baked Potato’ song with music from the BBC Orchestra
- Sam Smith singing Lay Me Down
- Celeste covering Lean On Me
- Jack Whitehall in Bad Education with Matthew Horne and heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua
- People Just Do Nothing
- EastEnders Queen Vic virtual pub quiz hosted by Ian Beale
- Peter Kay and the British Public remake of ‘Amarillo’
- Little Britain
- Strictly Come Dancing choreography with Tess and Claudia
- Romesh Ranganathan’s Isolation Diary
- Joe Wicks Exercise Secrets
- Doctor Who
- Stand-up at home from Jason Manford, Rosie Jones, Tez Ilyas, Dane Baptiste, Russell Kane, The Lost Voice Guy, Nish Kumar and more
- Gary Barlow is joined by friends including Liam Payne, Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Freya Ridings, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, Gregory Porter and more performing ’Sing’
And the BBC has teased there will be more surprises from the likes of Mary Berry, Little Mix and many other special guests.
What is Strictly's Keep Dancing Challenge and can you get involved?
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced on The One Show on Tuesday 14th April that Strictly was launching the Keep Dancing Challenge.
In the days leading up to the Big Night In, Strictly professionals will release instruction videos every night so that everyone can learn a routine ahead of the event, where everyone can dance together.
Fifteen-minute segments will air on The One Show, and everyone can get involved by sharing videos of themselves dancing along with the hashtag #KeepDancingChallenge on social media or on the Strictly website.
You might even make it to the small screen, as videos will be shared during the Big Night In.
The Big Night In airs on BBC One tonight from 7pm. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
