Why BBC scheduling blunder could cost Comic Relief MILLIONS

A ‘significant scheduling oversight’ means Comic Relief’s 40th annual Red Nose Day telethon will air on BBC One at the same time as the England World Cup Qualifier on ITV1 next Friday.

According to a source who used to work for the charity, the TV event is likely to see a significant drop in audience figures which he believes will negatively impact donations, he told MailOnline.

This could see the charity down millions of pounds.  

The live fundraising event, set to take place on March 21, will air live on BBC One at 7pm until 10pm and will be hosted by Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan, Alesha Dixon, Tom Allen and AJ Odudu.

Meanwhile ITV1 will broadcast England vs. Albania with a 7.45 kickoff in Thomas Tuchel’s first match as head coach of England.

The former employee said the charity could see up to 50 per cent less donations due to fewer people tuning into the live telethon.

This comes at a challenging time for the charity sector due to the cost of living, meaning the public has less disposable income to donate

Last year, the charity fundraised around £38million compared to more than £108million in 2011.

The live fundraising event, set to take place on March 21, will air live on BBC One at 7pm until 10pm and will be hosted by a strew of stars including Davina McCall and Alison Hammond

Comic Relief’s star-studded Red Nose Day show has seen a steady decline in viewership in recent years. 

In 2023 an average of 2.9million people watched the live telethon, compared to 5.6million in 2019.

However, last year the show saw a slight increase to 3.6million viewers and was Sir Lenny Henry’s final time co-hosting the show.

Comic Relief uses a host of British comedians to make the public laugh while raising money to help people around the world and in the UK.

The idea was thought up in 1985 by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry in response to the famine in Ethiopia.

Each year, the live telethon features comedy skits, including parodies of recent popular shows, films and clips, events and specially filmed versions of comedy shows

A Comic Relief spokesperson said: ‘For four decades, together with the unwavering support of the nation, Comic Relief has been using the power of solidarity and silliness to help tackle some of the most urgent problems faced by people here in the UK and across the world.

‘Year after year, communities, schools, nurseries, workplaces, families and partners have all come together to help support over 100 million people by raising over £1.6 billion.

The idea of Red Nose Day was thought up in 1985 by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry in response to the famine in Ethiopia (Sir Lenny Henry is pictured in 1989)

Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon released a Red Nose Day music video in 2009

Pictured: Presenters of Red Nose Day in 1989

‘That enormous kindness and generosity has meant Comic Relief has been able to work with fantastic organisations who are supporting communities by providing food, essential healthcare and safe shelter to the people who need it most – as well as so much more. 

‘This year’s Red Nose Day – during what is Comic Relief’s 40th year – is taking place against a backdrop of difficult and uncertain times.

‘Issues like the ongoing cost of living crisis as well as the wider impact of global events mean the most vulnerable individuals, families and communities in society are being hit the hardest.

‘Red Nose Day has always been about togetherness, and we are looking forward to welcoming millions from across the United Kingdom for what promises to be an unmissable night of TV filled with joy and laughter that will help raise vital and urgently needed funds.’

BBC declined to comment.