Brain tumour removal was ‘hardest thing’

A tearful Davina McCall shared that the removal of a brain tumor was “the hardest thing” she had ever experienced as she reflected on it during Red Nose Day’s 40th anniversary show.

The popular TV presenter underwent surgery in November and became emotional as she talked about the support she received from her family and partner Michael Douglas.

Her heartfelt words were shared during Comic Relief: Funny for Money, which included performances from the Sugababes, 80s stars, Gladiators, and Strictly Come Dancing professionals.

The broadcast had raised £34m for the charity by the end of the anniversary show.

Discussing her experience, former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall mentioned, “I had a pretty mad year this year. Doctors discovered a benign brain tumor by chance, and after much contemplation, I had it surgically removed.

“It has been, without a doubt, the most challenging thing I’ve ever gone through. This whole experience, considering all the risks and positives of removing this tumor, has made me ponder deeply about the essence of life and what truly matters in tough times.”

To commemorate 40 years of charity fundraising, some of the BBC’s biggest shows were parodied in sketches, including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators, Not Going Out, and Beyond Paradise.

McCall was joined by fellow hosts Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Joel Dommett, Alesha Dixon, Jonathan Ross, Tom Allen, and AJ Odudu in Salford.

The evening was taken back to the 80s, the era when Comic Relief was established, with an 80s pop medley featuring performances by Limahl from Kajagoogoo and Carol Decker from T’Pau.

This marked the first Comic Relief broadcast without Lenny Henry as a co-host since its inception.

Sir Lenny, who co-founded the program with Richard Curtis in 1985, made a cameo in a pre-recorded video message reflecting on the charity’s milestone.

“I can’t believe Comic Relief is turning 40. It feels like 1985 was just yesterday,” he shared with viewers.

Kurrupt FM’s Chabuddy G took on the Gladiators arena for an exclusive Red Nose Day challenge.

He introduced his new superhuman identity as Girth, Wind And Fire but after a duel against Bionic, the ref indicated foul play leading to his ban.

The program attracted an average audience of 2.6 million viewers, down by one million compared to the previous year.

Comic Relief’s contributions have been pivotal in providing vital aid to communities in need of food, healthcare, and shelter.

Celebrities have been actively engaging in Red Nose Day challenges, with BBC Radio 1 presenter Jamie Laing completing a 150-mile journey from London to Salford, raising over £2m.

During the show, he thanked the audience for their generous contributions, calling the journey incredible.

Reality TV stars Pete Wicks and Vicky Pattison took on the role of Amazon delivery drivers to raise funds for the charity.

Comedians Russell Kane and Rachel Parris humorously portrayed Strictly Come Dancing’s first amateur professional dancers due to the show’s inclusivity rules.

There was an Inbetweeners reunion as James Buckley and Joe Thomas embodied Liam and Noel Gallagher, showcasing their journey from local mates to global rock icons.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan appeared as a villainous Ticket Master in a sketch featuring Oasis’ reunion for a tour.

A segment highlighting EastEnders focused on Phil Mitchell’s mental health, emphasizing the importance of treatment.

Comedian Munya Chawawa became actor Brian Cox’s understudy in the West End play, The Score.

James Corden’s Smithy from Gavin And Stacey stumbled into an England football meeting where a game of Hangman featuring the word football was underway.

A tribute segment honored former One Direction star Liam Payne and drag queen The Vivienne among others.

You can catch up on all the Red Nose Day action on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.