Helen Skelton shared a selection of snaps and videos of her and Gethin Jones’ Wheely Big Challenge for Comic Relief and declared her ‘love and respect’ for her co-host
Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton helped Comic Relief to raise millions this year (Image: Getty Images)
Helen Skelton has expressed her ‘love and respect’ for Gethin Jones as she looked back on their 24-hour challenge for Comic Relief, which raised millions for the charity.
The hosts of BBC Morning Live were among those who contributed to raising £34 million for Comic Relief during its 40th anniversary, a figure announced at the end of the live BBC broadcast on Friday (21st March).
Red Nose Day, held at Salford’s MediaCity, featured sketches from some of the BBC’s biggest shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators and Beyond Paradise.
TV presenters Joel Dommett, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Tom Allen, Alesha Dixon and AJ Odudu led the charity fundraiser.
In one of the highlighted sketches, The Inbetweeners stars James Buckley and Joe Thomas re-enacted the moment Oasis decided to reunite for a tour, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Liam Gallagher, portrayed by Buckley, and Noel Gallagher, played by Thomas, were urged to contact each other after their managers informed them they were bankrupt. This follows the announcement of the long-anticipated reunion of the quarrelling Gallagher brothers in August 2024, with a global tour scheduled for this summer.
However, before the telethon, Helen and Gethin completed their Wheely Big Challenge, which was later revealed to have raised more than £1million for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. This funding supports crucial projects that address poverty, injustice, conflict and climate change both in the UK and globally.
Gethin and Helen received a wave of support from their Morning Live colleagues and a host of special guests including Kimberley Walsh, Dr Ranj, boyband Dear Alice, Bluey, and stars from The Traitors and Gladiators.
They were kept motivated with video calls from Claudia Winkleman, Faye Tozer, Janette Manrara, Kevin Clifton, Sir Chris Hoy and Rick Astley. Jamie Laing and Billy Monger, fellow Comic Relief challengers, also sent supportive messages during the final hours of Gethin and Helen’s challenge.
Both have since reflected on their remarkable achievement. Helen expressed her gratitude on social media after retrieving her phone from the Morning Live team. She said: “Broadcast and roller skated for twenty four hours. Overwhelmed by your support.
“In awe of your donations. Thank you for watching and messaging through the night. Thank you for supporting some selfless people who run charities that are trying to give people a bit of an easier ride in difficult times. Thank you for travelling from all over the country to cheer us on team ML. So much respect for @bbcmorninglive @versastudios @comicrelief. This is why we do telly.”
She later shared more personal thoughts after she and Gethin appeared together on the live appeal show to celebrate their impressive fundraising efforts. “Teamwork makes the dream work…..behind every good woman and all that,” Helen said.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt message, adding: “@emmamorrismorrismorris not sure how you masterminded and pulled this off but fair to say i am beyond proud. Token of appreciation to…. My mum who still taxis me even though I am an adult.
“To the work mates who literally hand feed you breakfast because they know you won’t get chance to eat. @alexandrayoungfashionstylist @carlymediamakeup @aimesjackson @nancyspencermakeup. To teams that treat you like a racing car and pop eye patches on you 26 hours in to your day without hesitation.
“To friends who distract your kids and hype up your job even though it is an alien world. Here’s to keeping life fun and fulfilled. Here’s to propping each other up. #team #teamwork #telly #manchester #work #workingmums #thejuggle.”
However, she saved special praise for Gethin, sharing a series of photos and videos documenting their journey from the start of their challenge to celebrating Red Nose Day. Alongside images of them roller-skating, Helen wrote: “Still not over it. Sorry…. Humbled by your generosity and so impressed the @bbcmorninglive team pulled this off…..
“Raised over a million for some charities that lift all of our communities. Celebrated some unbelievably selfless people and their work. Broadcast live for around 26 hours. Shone a light on volunteers who deserve the credit. True privilege to be part of. Watch for highlights…. Put together by just some of the team who volunteered their time.”
She then expressed her admiration, saying: “My dear @gethincjones …. You are some man. I don’t publicly say often enough how much love and respect I have for you my friend because I assume it is well known, but for the record you’re a legend and I am beyond grateful to have you by my side on the rink, the sofa and beyond. I can gush he doesn’t read beyond one paragraph on an insta post.”
The responses were overwhelmingly positive. @jonesemmas posted: “Both of you are legends. Such great sports that love a great challenge.”
@sassywyattofficial said “What’ absolute legends you both are! An incredible amount of money raised!”.
While @allthingskps_ commented: “You both absolutely nailed it! You are Fab-u-lous.” Meanwhile, @cumbriyam said: “You both moved me to tears. You each brought something unique to the challenge and the causes and things that matter to you. Epic. Thank you both.”
Finally, @suemcgregor said: “Congratulations! What an amazing achievement.”
