David Tennant opened the 2022 Red Nose Day fundraiser by giving a special tribute to Zoe Ball who is missing the show due to getting Covid.
BBC radio host Zoe Ball had to back out of the show after testing positive for Covid-19, as Tennant paid tribute to her during his own hosting duties.
The 50-year-old was joined by Comic Relief co-founder Sir Lenny Henry, Paddy McGuinness and Alesha Dixon, and had to open the show with the news that another co-host wasn't going to make it.
"We're a player down, tonight," the Doctor Who and Good Omens star announced.
"Zoe Ball, unfortunately, got Covid! She was forced to pull out of the show. We will miss you tonight, Zoe. We are sending you loads and loads of love."
The hosts then revealed Zoe's absence would impact the format of the show as her duties would have to be shared, even joking Alesha is going to be there all night.
"The show must go on," Paddy added. "And for Alesha, it's going to go on… and on… and on! You're here until the very end now."
Alesha chuckled at the announcement, but assured Paddy: "Alright, as well as the audience! They're here as well!"
Earlier in the day, Zoe Ball had announced that she would have to watch the fundraising appeal from home.
Ball wrote on Instagram: "Fell at last hurdle and have had positive lat flows this morning – noooooooo – gorgeous @aleshaofficial is going to work the double shift tonight on @ComicRelief. I owe you lady love – good luck to A, Lenny, David, @mcguinness.paddy, @ajodudu, @vernonkay, and the @comicrelief gang, so many brilliant treats in store tonight.
"I'll be watching and supporting from bed (probably in full make up, outfit, heels and all) might invite @joeldommett over #sickbay."
As Zoe mentioned in her statement, both her and Joel Dommett had to cancel his appearance on the show as well after he contracted coronavirus.
The night does feature the reunion of David Walliams and Matt Lucas, 's Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice performing together and a Repair Shop sketch featuring French and Saunders.
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