Sport Relief 2020

BBC One, tonight, 7pm & 10.35pm

FASTER, higher, stronger... for some people, sport is all about achieving goals.

So here’s a few numbers: since its previous appeal in 2018, the money raised by Sport Relief has helped to support an incredible 13 million people across the UK and around the world.

Over £4million has been awarded to provide mental-health support, while more than 15,000 people experiencing homelessness have been helped to access safe accommodation and support.

Sport Relief has enabled around 390,000 children to get vaccinated against deadly diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, while £18million has been shared out to organisations tackling the threat of malaria across Africa and Asia.

Since its first appeal in 2002, the charity has tackled some of the world’s most pressing problems through the power of sport, and it has returned again this year to continue the battle against poverty and injustice.

Chances are that you have already been taking part in a fundraising activity this week, whether it be a football or hockey match, a zumba-athon, bake sale or fancy dress.

However, the main event takes place tonight with stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment appearing live at Media City in Salford.

The night is hosted by Gary Lineker, Paddy McGuinness, Oti Mabuse, Tom Allen, Maya Jama, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark-Neal

and Alex Scott, while sports personalities supporting the campaign include England and Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Highlights include a very special episode of The Greatest Dancer which sees two teams of celebrities including Harry Judd, Kimberley Walsh, Alexandra Burke, Sam Quek, Louis Smith, HVRY & Kate McGlynn hitting the dance floor.

BBC drama Killing Eve becomes ‘Killing Steves’ for a hilarious spoof – but who is the new blonde assassin on the loose?

The Battle of the Channels Celebrity Boat Race returns and this year it’s bigger than ever.

Four channels now compete for victory and you’re not going to want to miss BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky going oar to oar.

In another sporting contest, Romesh Ranganathan takes on tennis legend Andy Murray in a crazy game of crazy golf.

If that wasn’t enough, there will be live music from Rita Ora, John Newman and Celeste, and performances from the casts of Dear Evan Hanson and Back to the Future the Musical.

At 10pm, we switch to BBC Two for a hilarious Sport Relief edition of A Question of Sport with Sue Barker at the helm.

Joining captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell will be Mel Giedroyc, Tom Davis, Chris Kamara and Paddy McGuinness.

After the news, comedian Tom and Maya see us through to the early hours and will be joined by dance sensations AJ and Curtis to get the nation up on their feet.

Superstar YouTuber KSI performs a world exclusive of his single Wake Up Call and we look back at last summer’s All-Star Sport Relief Netball match, with captains Oti and Jennifer Saunders.

Finally, there’s a sketch with the cast of the Netflix’s Stranger Things and the concluding round of A Question of Sport Relief.

Of course, the numbers do matter tonight – the money raised is vital, with every penny used to support some of the most vulnerable people in the UK and around the world.

However, another key goal of Sport Relief (and sport in general) is bringing people together and making them feel good.

And with the look of tonight’s entertaining line-up, it’s a guaranteed winner.