Jack Dee greeted by wife Jane as he leaves the Big Brother house

He added: "Because of all of the thousands of amazing people over the UK that supported us, Comic Relief can carry on helping some of the poorest and disadvantaged people in Africa and the UK to help themselves."

Red Nose Day on 16 March produced many TV highlights: A naked Billy Connolly, footballer David Beckham and his wife Spice Girl Victoria grilled by Ali G, and camp TV host Graham Norton chatting with the Duchess of York.

About 12.3 million people watched as comedian Jack Dee was pronounced winner of the Celebrity Big Brother contest which began a week earlier with six celebrities locked into a house together with no TV, music, or contact with the outside world.

Naked dancers

One of the most bizarre moments of the night was when Scottish comedian Billy Connolly danced naked around London's Piccadilly Circus before 40 naked dancers wearing Connolly wigs joined a startled-looking Lenny Henry in the studio.

Baring all: Connolly in Piccadilly Circus, London

Miserable TV character Victor Meldrew was brought back to life for one night only in a one-off special of comedy show One Foot In The Grave.

Author JK Rowling wrote two special Harry Potter schoolbooks for Comic Relief, and Helen Fielding wrote Bridget Jones' Guide to Life.

The last show in 1999 led to a final campaign total of �35m.

Since its launch in 1985, Comic Relief has raised over �220m.