subject: Comic Relief: The Best Moments from 1985 - 2011 [print this page] Comic Relief: The Best Moments from 1985 - 2011
Comic Relief has become one of the annual television staples that has continued to capture the hearts of the nation, ever since the telethon started in 1985. Founded by legendary British screenwriter Richard Curtis and stand-up comedian Lenny Henry, it was formed as a response to the famine crisis that was happening at the time in the African nation of Ethiopia. Across the UK, members of the public and celebrities come together to help raise money for people who live in places of poverty and economic disarray.
Over the 26 years it's been active, the charity and event has raised over 650 million, with 40% of this enormous figure being directed to help those in the UK as well as those abroad. It's brought us comedy moments which will go down in televisual history; Ali G famously interviewing an uncomfortable David and Victoria Beckham, Dawn French's kiss with Hugh Grant, and most recently, Tony Blair's face-off with Catherine Tate's bovvered' alter ego, Lauren Cooper.
This year's event set the celebrity gossip sphere alight with news of collaborations between a variety of different stars, some crossing over into their rivals' television programmes, whilst others collaborating to create a unique take of the last year's most remembered programmes.
Highlights of the evening also included the ever loveable Miranda Hart and her troupe of comedy friends taking over the ubiquitous Pineapple Dance Studios, of course made popular after introducing the world to Louie Spence, who's now popular in his own right. JLS performed their latest track with Miranda providing a cameo appearance whilst on the show as well.
Comic Relief staples French and Saunders provided their take of the highly popular period drama genre, with their parody, Upton Downstairs Abbey, whilst Harry Hill provided his unique take of the ever derided Autumnwatch, culminating in the big-collared comedian wondering "which is better, Olly Murs, or The Wanted?" of course there is indeed only one way to find out, we'll let you work out how.
The evening made sure that there were a number of events that were sure to be reported in the celebrity news the following day, James Corden's alter ego Smithy appeared in what was the highlight sketch of the evening, featuring a raft of celebrity talent as well as the former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. The evening raised an amazing 76 million, the highest amount it's ever raised since the charity event started in 1985. And it looks set to increase over the following months as even more donations pour in.
