Sport Relief 2020: Gary Lineker reveals a ‘chunk’ of donations from this year’s broadcast will go to those affected by coronavirus pandemic
- Sport Relief will give ‘chuck’ of donations to support those affected by ongoing coronavirus pandemic
- Broadcast went ahead with Salford studio audience despite fears over outbreak
- Paddy McGuinness thanked the audience for their support and turning out
- Comes after Premier League, FA and EFL suspended competitions over several clubs confirming positive cases in teammates
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Gary Lineker has kicked off Sport Relief by announcing that some of the night’s donations will go to support those affected by the coronavirus.
The former striker, 59, revealed the huge gesture alongside co-hosts Alex Scott and Paddy McGuinness at the beginning of proceedings in the MediaCity studio in Salford, Manchester.
Gary began by telling viewers at home: ‘I’ve been fortunate to present this show since its inception back in 2002, never though under the circumstances of this year, this month, this week,’ he admitted.
Generosity: Gary Lineker has kicked off Sport Relief by announcing that some of the night’s donations will go to support those affected by the coronavirus
‘These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, never have the vulnerable been more vulnerable than they are now.
‘We are already making sure that a chunk of what we raise will be going to those affected by coronavirus… Also, rarely, I suspect, have we needed more light relief than we do tonight.’
Paddy then thanked the studio’s live audience for coming out to support the cause, after the BBC decided to go ahead with a live audience in place.
Big night: The former striker, 59, revealed the huge gesture alongside co-host Paddy McGuinness at the beginning of proceedings in the MediaCity studio in Salford, Manchester
The Inter-Generational Connect Choir, based in Wales, performed You’ve Got A Friend In Me, with Gary announcing prior to their performance that the elderly members of the choir wouldn’t be in attendance as a precautionary measure following coronavirus concerns.
The BBC decided to go ahead with Sport Relief’s live broadcast despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic that has seen many TV shows cancelled due to concerns over the outbreak.
Later on the Friday night charity special saw guest appearances from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Andy Murray, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Mary Berry.
Thank you! Paddy thanked the studio’s live audience for coming out to support the cause, after the BBC decided to go ahead with a live audience in place
Presenter Paddy McGuinness also paid tribute to Caroline Flack, following her death last month, in a moving moment.
Viewers were left in tears and praised the tribute, as former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness honoured Caroline in a bittersweet moment that aired during Friday night’s broadcast.
He told viewers that Caroline, who had previously worked with Sport Relief, would be ‘missed’, with fellow presenter Gary Lineker echoing his sentiments.
Paying tribute: Sport Relief 2020 honoured Caroline Flack, with host Paddy McGuinness paying tribute to the Love Island presenter in a moving moment
‘Recently we lost a much-loved member of the Sport Relief family,’ Paddy said. ‘Caroline Flack was always a huge and very active supporter of everything this charity does. She gave so much of her time and talent to help others.
He continued: ‘She’ll be greatly missed by us all, we send all our love to her family.’
Caroline died by suicide on 15 February and Paddy had been among the celebrities paying tribute to the Love Island presenter, after news emerged of her passing.
Remembering Caroline: The late star had previously worked with Sport Relief