Alan Carr talks about Stand Up To Cancer 2016

Alan Carr is one of the key people involved in Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer charity drive. He'll be co-hosting the main TV show on Friday and has taken on a bunch of clever kids in a TV special. He explains more below...

Stand Up To Cancer is back. What can we expect on the night?

An emotional rollercoaster really, I always end up struggling to read the autocue because I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. It's getting that balance right isn't it? We want a night of entertainment but we don't want to lose the message and that it is to raise as much money as we possibly can.

You've done every SU2C. Why is this event so important to you?

I don't know if it's me getting older, but there doesn't seem to be a week goes by without hearing someone you know being diagnosed with cancer. It can happen to anyone - I think this year has particular resonance what with us losing such greats as David Bowie, Victoria Wood and Caroline Aherne all to cancer.

You've had close friends who have had cancer. All of us will be affected by cancer one way or another, won't we?

Sad but true. After the last SU2C the Great British Public were so generous and raised so much money we were absolutely buzzing about it - the next morning still so excited about the money raised I got an email from the mother of a lad who was going to come to see my stand-up show later that year that had sadly lost his battle with cancer the night before. We were too late to save him - and so we must keep battling on. It was so sobering to get that email you realise we have to keep going, raising money and awareness.

You've been very emotional on the programme in the past. What sets you off?

The whole night sets me off - I was crying at the Cancer Choir rehearsing and we weren't even on air then!! - me and Davina just end up hugging each other at every opportunity.

How do you handle those emotions?

I grab Davina!!!

Before the main show we can see you taking on the Child Geniuses in a battle of wits. Are you mad?

I know, what was I thinking? They were not only really clever but also really intense too - they brought their A-game and really enjoyed intimidating us. What I thought would be quite a fun way to spend an evening actually turned into a really protracted psychological mind game.

Have you done any specialist training for Child Genius?

I had a quick flick through Wikipedia.

Who's on your team, and why did you pick them?

Aisling Bea, Krishnan Guru Murphy and Rachel Riley - they were already pre-chosen so I can't take any credit for assembling them - weirdly I was team captain even though they are all far cleverer than me. No lie, but at the end of the game there was dust on my buzzer.

What strengths will you bring to the team?

I will know the answers to any pop culture questions that come up - if anything Kardashian related pops up I'm your man.

Do you think comedy is a good way of coping with sadness? It has a role to play in the bleakest of times, doesn't it?

Yes, like I said - it's getting the right balance we have to give the audience at home an evening of entertainment and with Stand Up To Cancer you definitely get tears whether they be through laughing or crying. It is one of the hardest nights for me but we can't be too down and anyway the people living with cancer need cheering up too - we owe it to them.

The Friday night show is live TV, and often pretty anarchic. Do you enjoy that aspect, or is it terrifying?

I love live TV - it's always a bit crazy and I think people like it if things go wrong. And besides if you start complaining we are trying to raise millions of pounds for people with cancer so you can just piss off you miserable sod.

What have been your highlights of past SU2C broadcasts?

I think Leona Lewis singing Run with the Cancer Choir back in 2012 was a real highlight. Also Bradley Cooper popping up and sharing his story - even Hollywood stars have to deal with this awful disease - it was an important moment.

What can people at home do to show their support?

Watch on the night, get involved, even if you are skint, just giving your time and listening to the cancer sufferers stories can be just as supportive.

What message do you have to all of those who have supported SU2C and given so generously in the past?

Thank you so much!

Alan Carr is team captain on 'Child Genius v Celebrities: SU2C Special'. You can watch it on All 4 now.

Alan Carr, Davina McCall and Adam Hills will be hosting Stand Up To Cancer 2016 on Channel 4 on Friday 21st October 2016 from 7pm.

Since SU2C launched, it has raised more than £25million, funding 30 trials and projects involving more than 9,000 cancer patients. To find out more about the organisation and how to donate visit standuptocancer.org.uk