Comic Relief

That's Jessie J under the swirl of shaving foam, and the reason she's posing like the queen of the Oompa Loompas is that she'll be shaving her hair off as part of tonight's culmination to Red Nose Day. Yes, it's time for the stunts and dares and unlikely comedy mash-ups to reach their bubbling live climax.

As ever, we can expect unmissable moments delivered by an almost obscenely starry line-up. Presenters include Michael McIntyre, Rob Brydon, John Bishop, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and (careful, now...) Russell Brand. Ricky Gervais will bring David Brent out of retirement. There are mini-eps of Call the Midwife and Fresh Meat, a cook-off between Jack Whitehall and Micky Flanagan, and of course a new novelty pop promo from Peter Kay.

The trick for viewers is to flash the cash early. Text the donation line or get out the credit card at an early stage, then relax as the night rolls by. You'll never make it through all those heartbreaking appeal films if you don't know your money's on its way.

James Corden brings back Smithy for Comic Relief

James Corden will be reviving his Gavin & Stacey comedy creation Smithy for another Red Nose Day sketch tonight.

Red Nose Day brings together UK's greatest comedians

A star-studded line-up of the UK's favorite comedians will literally be 'doing something funny for money' as Red Nose Day celebrates its 25th anniversary on Friday, 15 March, with a brilliant evening of appointment telly.

Jack Whitehall: Comic Relief is an institution

You get so many amazing guest stars turning up, willing to make a bit of a fool of themselves for good causes...

Lenny Henry: Comic Relief is world turned upside down

To begin with, it was intended as a talking point: why were people, conventionally clothed, wearing a bright red plastic proboscis?

You know the routine by now: let the children stay up a little late, don your red nose and get ready to donate, as television's finest entertainers prepare to make us chuckle for charity. It's the 25th anniversary of this kind-hearted TV telethon, and the roster of celebrities involved is not to be sniffed at.

Some familiar faces present the evening's festivities, including Dermot O'Leary, Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon. Things kick off with Rowan Atkinson masquerading as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Jessie J shaving off her hair and One Direction performing their charity single One Way - let's hope David Cameron, who featured in the video, makes an appearance. Among the many other highlights is the cast of Call the Midwife cast performing a mini-episode featuring an unusual birth. Meanwhile, Homeland's Damian Lewis guest stars in a Vicar of Dibley special. Office fans will also be delighted to hear that David Brent returns to our screens, when Comic Relief switches over to BBC Two at 10.30pm. As ever, this is a full-on evening. There will be laughter, probably some tears, and hopefully a large sum raised at the end of it.

Miranda Hart: 25 reasons why I love Comic Relief

As Comic Relief celebrates 25 years of fundraising, Miranda Hart shares her favourite things about Red Nose Day.

Argumentally: Red Nose Day

Two people debate on whether Red Nose Day viewing is good or bad.

Peter Kay helps Comic Relief by sitting down

Peter Kay is famous for his stand-up comedy - but this Friday he will be helping Comic Relief by sitting down.

Injured Miranda Hart completes Dirty Dancing routine

It was tough and go whether she would be able to complete her Dirty Dancing routine as part of her her Comic Relief challenge but Miranda Hart managed to pull off the dance - with the help of a friend.