AJ Odudu on Comic Relief: Interview
AJ Odudu discusses presenting this year's Comic Relief in this new interview.
Get ready for a night of comedy, entertainment, and incredible fundraising as Red Nose Day returns live on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer on Friday 21 March from 7pm.
Celebrating 40 years of going big, giving big, and feeling good together, the unmissable blockbuster shows will bring the nation together with hilarious sketches, live performances, surprise moments, and show- stopping musical acts – all to raise vital funds for good causes across the UK and around the world.
Hosting the action live from the studio at Media City in Salford will be an all-star lineup. Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan, and Alesha Dixon will present on BBC One from 7-10pm, before Tom Allen and AJ Odudu take over from 10pm on BBC Two.
Expect side-splitting sketches featuring some of the biggest shows on the BBC, including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators, Not Going Out and Beyond Paradise. Plus, in a truly unmissable moment, one of the most hotly anticipated musical reunions in history will be getting the Red Nose Day sketch treatment. It's Definitely (Maybe) not to be missed!
You’ve presented Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day before, what made you come back for another year?
It was an immense honour to host Comic Relief back in 2023 and I’m so excited to be back for their 40th birthday. There’s nothing like being part of Red Nose Day and the way it brings people together while making a genuine difference. To once again be a part of supporting and raising such vital funds was a no brainer. Plus, it’s always a night to remember!
What does Comic Relief and its impact mean to you? How does it feel to be part of such a legacy?
I’ve grown up watching Red Nose Day all my life and have always been incredibly moved by how it can impact and change people’s lives. The money raised supports so many incredible causes and communities who need it most, and it’s just as important now as it was when it launched. When you see the positive change that Comic Relief has made over the last 40 years, you can’t help but feel proud to be involved – it honestly means the world!
There’s a stellar lineup of presenters this year for Red Nose Day. What are you looking forward to when it comes to presenting alongside them?
Oh, I’m buzzing! This year’s line-up is fantastic and includes some wonderful friends and peers of mine, so it’s guaranteed to be a fun-filled night. It’s always a joy to work alongside people you know can bring fun energy and heart in equal measure! Also, to be presenting with Jonathan Ross who hosted the very first Red Nose Day is mind-blowing!
The energy backstage must be electric. Who do you think will provide the most comic relief behind the scenes?
Oooh that’s a tough one as there’s always some sort of mischief happening backstage. If I had to guess I'd say my good friend Tom Allen. When the two of us unite we have such a laugh. Or maybe Alison Hammond as she is forever a joy to be around.
It’s Comic Relief’s 40th birthday this year. Which sketches do you remember from Red Nose Days gone by?
40 years - what a legacy! There have been countless iconic sketches over the years, but one of my personal favourites has got to be the classic David Tennant and Catherine Tate classroom sketch with Catherine as Lauren - absolutely hilarious! More recently, I would say the Celebrity Traitors sketch, where Dawn French impersonated Claudia. It was done so brilliantly. These TV moments stay with you and it’s why it’s one of my favourite parts of the night.
What do you think makes Comic Relief’s mission continue to resonate with people year after year?
People love to laugh, and they love to help others – it’s as simple as that. Comic Relief brings those two things together in such a powerful way. As the world continues to change, so do the difficult situations many find themselves in, and Red Nose Day provides an opportunity to impact lives for the better, while bringing some much-needed joy. It speaks volumes that after 40 years, Comic Relief is still inspiring people to give, get involved and make a difference.
