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the big donation

The Big Night In – How to donate to the appeal as viewers blown away by charity song ‘Times Like These’

The Big Night In is raising money for Comic Relief and Children In Need

CHILDREN In Need and Comic Relief, two of the biggest charities run by the BBC have come together to launch The Big Night In, a three hour spectacle on telly tonight (April 23).

The one-off special is raising money for communities and people affected by the coronavirus pandemic - and needs your help to do that.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

 The one-off event will be hosted by Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Henry, Zoe Ball and Matt Baker
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The one-off event will be hosted by Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Henry, Zoe Ball and Matt BakerCredit: BBC

How to donate to The Big Night In

You can make a donation tonight as The Big Night In is being broadcast.

The number to call to make a donation will be displayed on the screen throughout the show.

If you want to donate ahead of its air time, you can do so in a number of ways.

Visiting gives you information on how to donate online.

 The Big Night In is raising money for Comic Relief and Children In Need
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The Big Night In is raising money for Comic Relief and Children In Need

It gives you an option to donate either £30, £50, £100, or any other amount.

The funds raised will be split equally between Children In Need and Comic Relief and will benefit local charities.

The website says donations "will help fund projects providing essential help to people in the UK, in this crisis".

According to the BBC: "There will be more demand than ever for support from local charities.

"This includes making sure people are safe from harm, mentally healthy and with access to food, warmth and shelter; as well as helping people stay connected, active and positive through these extraordinary times."

 Matt Lucas and David Walliams will return with a new Little Britain sketch for the first time in 10 years
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Matt Lucas and David Walliams will return with a new Little Britain sketch for the first time in 10 yearsCredit: Handout

What is The Big Night In about?

The Big Night In will feature a night of entertainment on BBC.

It will showcase some of the biggest names across TV, music and comedy.

There will be one-off return of several shows including Little Britain.

Stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams will transform into some of the show's most memorable characters - it is currently unknown which characters will be brought back.

 Dawn French has given fans their first look at the rebooted The Vicar of Dibley - which sees Geraldine Granger stuck in coronavirus lockdown
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Dawn French has given fans their first look at the rebooted The Vicar of Dibley - which sees Geraldine Granger stuck in coronavirus lockdown

also brings back The Vicar of Dibley as she steps into the role of Geraldine for the first time since 2007.

The vicar is expected to provide a special self-isolation sermon.

Also on the night, the question "am I bothered?" will be on the lips of many as Catherine Tate revives the character of problematic schoolgirl Lauren, who is having trouble with remote learning.

Lauren's teacher played by former Doctor Who actor, David Tennant.

The night will also feature the return of comedy icon Peter Kay as he recreates the music video for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo with the help of members of the British public.

Gary Barlow will provide music accompanied by the likes of Leona Lewis, Katherine Jenkins and Liam Payne.

The show will be presented by Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Matt Baker and Zoe Ball - who will be practising social distancing while on hosting duties.

When is The Big Night In?

The telethon began at 7pm tonight (April 23) on BBC One.

Fans who miss the show will be able to watch it on BBC's iPlayer shortly after broadcast.

It is a one-off show to entertain and raise money during the coronavirus lockdown.

Comic Relief and Children in Need join forces for The Big Night In
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