Comic Relief raises nearly $121M

LONDON, March 19 (UPI) -- Adele, Alan Partridge, Annie Lennox and The Inbetweeners have helped raise nearly $121 million through the U.K. fundraising show Comic Relief, organizers said.

The BBC reported the amount was the highest raked in on the night of the telethon in the 23-year history of what is known as Red Nose Day. The money raised is to go toward health and education in Africa.

Friday's evening of charity-centric programming included special installments of "EastEnders," "Doctor Who" and "Outnumbered."

The show featured a comedy sketch starring a mock band called Fake That -- made up of David Walliams, John Bishop, Catherine Tate, James Corden and Alan Carr -- who auditioned for the real-life pop stars, Take That. George Michael, Keira Knightley, Rio Ferdinand, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and Paul McCartney made appearances on the Comic Relief show, the Daily Mail said.

"Even in these tough economic times, the British public has given an incredible response to Comic Relief's appeal, showing yet again their compassion and generosity," the BBC quoted International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell as saying. "The government will come in behind the public's effort, to support and amplify the choices that British people have made."