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Celebs for Mel and Sue's Let's Sing and Dance revealed

Photo credit: Nick Pickles/WireImage / John Phillips/UK Press via Getty Images /  Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images / Digitalspy.com
Photo credit: Nick Pickles/WireImage / John Phillips/UK Press via Getty Images / Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images / Digitalspy.com

From Digital Spy

The BBC has lined up, well, lots of BBC people for its outrageously-revamped Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief this year.

The hilarious celebrity musical competition is getting a whole new look courtesy of the reunited Bake Off duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosts and a new format, where the contestants' singing and dancing will both need to be on point.

And what a lineup of celebrities they've got this year - especially if you're a fan of the BBC. Let's take a look at the first batch of celebs who'll be singing and dancing their hearts out for our amusement:

Photo credit: Nick Pickles/WireImage / John Phillips/UK Press via Getty Images /  Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images / Digitalspy.com
Photo credit: Nick Pickles/WireImage / John Phillips/UK Press via Getty Images / Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images / Digitalspy.com
  • Astrologer Russell Grant will be indulging his inner-disco diva as he performs Diana Ross's 'Chain Reaction'.

  • Coronation Street's Sally Lindsay goes glam rock to cover Slade's '70s anthem 'Cum On Feel the Noize'.

  • Comic Sara Pascoe will literally transform into Sia for the anthemic 'Chandelier' - hopefully while wearing a two-toned wig.

  • Yes, we're still waiting for the ABBA reunion but Harriet Thorpe and Helen Lederer doing 'Dancing Queen' as their Absolutely Fabulous characters Fleur and Catriona will definitely hold us over.

  • The stars of Casualty and Holby City - including Chizzy Akudolu, Tony Marshall and Amanda Henderson - will join forces for a spin on 'Uptown Funk'.

  • We'll even be blessed with a top secret routine from The One Show's Angellica Bell, Iwan Thomas, Alex Riley, Michelle Ackerley and Dominic Littlewood.

"This is the best birthday present to be taking part in Let's Sing and Dance for this great charity," Russell Grant beamed. "I was 66 last week and to be asked to do my bit in such a spectacular way is amazing. I've played Edna in Hairspray and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit and now Chain Reaction – think Russell as Divine with a tribute to Diana Ross: it's Viva la Diva!"

His competitors Harriet Thorpe and Helen Lederer are more than up for the challenge, with Harriet saying: "Fleur says singing and dancing are her 'words de jour' and she is looking forward to exposing her hidden talents #CantWait #OnTheStartingBlock #Abba-SolutelyFabulous."

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

"Beyond delighted that Catriona and Fleur have been invited to give their bodies and voice for Comic Relief, and in such talented company," Helen teased. "Very humbled and excited to be standing by for some lovely costumes and free ABBA Tips."

The ladies will see some very familiar faces on the judging panel as Ab Fab legend Jennifer Saunders, Jo Brand, Jason Manford, Frank Skinner, Paul O'Grady and Claudia Winkleman evaluate each week's acts.

Here's how it will all work - there will be three live heats on Saturdays leading up to an all-important live grand finale.

A mix of the home audience and judging panel will get to choose who goes through each round – but it's the home audience who picks the big winner. And remember, it's all to benefit Comic Relief.

Let's Sing and Dance is just one part of this year's Red Nose Day celebration. The BBC has also lined up a French & Saunders reunion, music from Ed Sheeran and a very unlikely team-up for Katie Price and Stephen Hawking to raise money for kids around the world.


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