Red Nose Day is coming back! Davina McCall says she'll kiss The Rock, Alison Hammond makes a major blunder and Simon Cowell will listen to Amanda Holden's album on repeat as Lenny Henry gathers his friends to raise money

Red Nose Day is back with a bang this year as presenter Lenny Henry brings together his celebrity cohorts to find ways to make money for charity in a phone call full of blunders.

Davina McCall, Alison Hammond and Simon Cowell were among the stars Lenny, 65, called on speed dial to ask for their help with the annual comedy fundraiser.

In the exclusive online sketch, Lenny, co-founder of Comic Relief, picks up the phone with some of his famous friends to find out how they will do their part to raise life-changing money on this Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday. Mar. 15.

It comes as Lenny revealed this is the last time he will host the event as he believes it is the right time for other stars to take over the hosting duties.

Lenny is first seen brainstorming on a whiteboard as he lists ideas such as a bake sale, head shave, fancy dress and a One Direction reunion as possible options for this year's event.

With a little help from his friends, Lenny calls the number of TV host Alison, who declares that she is ready to be a “hun-ny for money,” and that she has tons of ideas because she is an “iconic hun ' is – no matter how it turns. she has made a blunder.

Lenny corrects her that the assignment is actually to do something “funny for money,” as 48-year-old Alison admits she must have missed the memo.

Meanwhile, Davina admits she 'can't keep kissing people on the show' to raise money, but reveals she would make an exception for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

During his conversation with Simon, the music mogul says: 'I got it! I'm going to listen to Amanda Holden's covers album non-stop for a week.'

When Lenny asks, “What does that have to do with raising money?” , Simon jokes, “Well, it's definitely something funny.”

Other stars willing to take part include Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, who asked Lenny if he wanted to take part in his 24-hour singathon.

Meanwhile, radio host Nick Grimshaw raised the idea of ​​a sponsored silence while hosting his podcast, receiving crickets in response.

When he called Gemma Collins, she was more interested in finding out how he had received her number, before reluctantly offering to organize a bake sale.

Acting royal Dame Joan Collins is taking it to new heights for Red Nose Day by undertaking a sponsored skydive.

The new sketch can be viewed on YouTube and hopes to inspire people across the country to do something funny for money and help spread joy this Red Nose Day.

BBC One's evening of entertainment comes live from Salford on Friday, March 15, produced by BBC Studios Entertainment.

The unmissable evening of comedy, live performances and one-off surprises will be extra special this year as it will be the last time Lenny will host the show.

For almost four decades, Lenny has been the leader of laughter and has united millions of people to raise more than £1.5 billion for Comic Relief to date, proving that comedy and compassion can change lives.

Lenny has decided now is the time to let some new names take the presenting reins, while continuing to support Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on other projects throughout the year.

Sir Lenny added: 'Right now we know there is a cost of living crisis and people are struggling, many people are struggling here and around the world.

'But we also know that the British public is brilliant. You are so kind and generous. If someone has a problem, you always want to help.

'Without you we couldn't do what we do. I would love nothing more than for you to join me this year.

'Let's make it one to remember and show that laughter can make a world of difference.

'Do something funny for money, come to The London Palladium, wear your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you! Let's go!

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: “Sir Lenny Henry has been the face of Comic Relief for almost forty years and I would like to personally thank him for his incredible contribution, the way he has entertained and inspired the nation. the BBC cannot be overstated.

'Lenny's efforts have been awe-inspiring, he has played a huge part in its enduring appeal and has highlighted so many worthy causes by using the power of comedy and laughter to raise millions of pounds. This year's Red Nose Day will be his last on screen, but it promises to be extra special as we take the opportunity to celebrate his remarkable achievements on the evening.”

To celebrate and thank Sir Lenny, some of the country's favorite comedians will take to the stage for a wild and wonderful once-in-a-lifetime evening of live comedy, Comic Relief – Live at The London Palladium, on Monday 26 February.

In tribute to how Comic Relief started 39 years ago, this night of non-stop laughter will see Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe join Sir Lenny to take to the roof raising and everything… important money for Red Nose Day.

Tickets are available now from LW Theaters and Ticketmaster.