This Red Nose Day, Strictly Come Dancing will shine a spotlight on two brand new amateur professional dancers in a hilarious sketch for Comic Relief. 

The hit BBC show, starring Tess Daly, 55, and Claudia Winkleman, 53, will follow the journey of Melissa (Rachel Parris) and Johnny (Russell Kane).

Two unlikely newcomers who take on the challenge of joining the Strictly professional lineup due to new inclusivity rules, which require a certain percentage of professionals to be… amateurs! 

Filmed in an observational documentary style, the sketch will track their surprising audition process as they both land roles as Strictly’s first-ever amateur professional dancers.

However, in a sad twist of fate, both of their celebrity partners mysteriously pull out of the next series at the last minute, citing identical farcical injuries. But Tess and Claudia hatch a clever plan. 

Revealing that she feels honoured to be involved with Comic Relief this year, Rachel said: ‘I am over the moon to be involved with Comic Relief this year.’ 

This Red Nose Day, Strictly Come Dancing will shine a spotlight on two brand new amateur professional dancers in a hilarious sketch for Comic Relief (L-R Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke)

The hit BBC show, starring Tess Daly , 55, and Claudia Winkleman , 53, will follow the journey of Melissa (Rachel Parris) and Johnny (Russell Kane) (Rachel and Russell pictured)

The comedian continued: ‘Strictly Come Dancing and Red Nose Day are two cultural icons so Russell and I knew that we had to bring our most iconic dance moves to the table.’ 

‘I think you will agree that they will go down in history, one way or another. Comic Relief remains a brilliant cause and I’m honoured to be a very small, but very glittery part of it.’ 

Meanwhile, Russell said: ‘After physio, red light therapy, sports mᴀssage, heat rub, and an acupuncture mat session – I’m really looking forward to my spine taking part in Strictly for Red Nose Day.’ 

Strictly host Tess added: ‘It’s always such a joy to be involved with Comic Relief’s brilliant work and we had such a giggle filming this sketch.’

‘Rachel and Russell wanted to bring the drama to the dancefloor and watching their “Strictly journey” unfold had us all in sтιтches.’ 

Strictly pro Johannes Radebe said: ‘I had a Strictly fabulous time filming this sketch for Red Nose Day. Rachel and Russell get a 10 from me for effort darlings!’ 

While Strictly pro Karen Hauer added: ‘Rachel and Russell brought bags of energy to the rehearsal room and I was genuinely wowed by their enthusiasm and… talent! They certainly showed us Strictly pros a thing or two.’

Red Nose Day is set to return on March 21 and it will be a notable one as Comic Relief will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. 

Two unlikely newcomers who take on the challenge of joining the Strictly pro lineup due to new inclusivity rules, which require a certain percentage of professionals to be… amateurs!

Filmed in an observational documentary style, the sketch will track their surprising audition process as they both land roles as Strictly’s first-ever amateur professional dancers

However, in a sad twist of fate, both of their celebrity partners mysteriously pull out of the next series at the last minute, citing identical farcical injuries 

Viewers can watch the Strictly stars in action as part of Red Nose Day 2025 on March 21 from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer 

Read More Davina McCall and AJ Odudu wow in sizzling red ensembles as they lead the star-studded presenting line-up for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day 2025

Over the past 40 years, the British charity has raised over £1.6 billion and supported over 100 million people. 

The charity supports local community organisations and brilliant change-makers in the UK and across the globe. 

According to Comic Relief’s website, all donations raised help them to fill the shelves of baby banks and community food centres, fund vital community-led services like health workers and local youth safe spaces, and ensure safe pᴀssage for people escaping danger. 

Viewers can watch the Strictly stars in action as part of Red Nose Day 2025 on March 21 from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.