The world may be in the clutches of the global economic crisis, but that didn’t stop the generosity of Britons Friday. The biennial Comic Relief Red Nose Day brought in a record 57 million pounds for African aid.
Dozens of stars and comics delivered hilarious performances during the telethon, broadcast on BBC1, including James Corden.
Marking the halfway point in a month that will see four major Corden releases or appearances (the premiere of Horne & Corden, Red Nose Day, the release of Lesbian Vampire Killers, and a charity event for Teenage Cancer Trust), his Red Nose Day sketch featured Corden’s character from Gavin & Stacey – Smithy – dressing down the England football squad.
The 2007 Red Nose Day event raised 44 million pounds.
SOURCE: Reuters UK; “Comic Relief raises £57 million for Africa;” Castle, Tim; 14 March 2009.