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Red Nose Day Actually
Red Nose Day Actually
from Wikipedia

Red Nose Day Actually
Promotional poster for the American version (Laura Linney, featured on the poster, does not appear in the original UK broadcast).
Based onCharacters from Love Actually by Richard Curtis
Written byRichard Curtis
Directed by
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerFiona Neilson
CinematographyAndrew Dunn
EditorMarc Richardson
Running time15 minutes
Original release
NetworkBBC One
Release24 March 2017 (2017-03-24)

Red Nose Day Actually is a 2017 British romantic comedy television short promotional film, following a dozen of the characters from Richard Curtis' Christmas film Love Actually, as part of the fundraising event Red Nose Day 2017.[1] Curtis returns with many of the cast members from the original film including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, Thomas Sangster, Lúcia Moniz, Olivia Olson, Marcus Brigstocke, and Rowan Atkinson.[2]

The short film was first broadcast on BBC One on 24 March 2017, as a part of Red Nose Day. A slightly different version of the film, featuring Laura Linney reprising her role and Patrick Dempsey, was broadcast in the US on 25 May 2017.[3]

Plot

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The film is set in March 2017, 13 years after the events of the original film.

Juliet is watching television with her husband Peter. When the doorbell rings and she opens the door, Juliet finds Mark, who, similarly to 13 years ago, communicates with her by using cue cards, having her pretend to Peter, this time, that Mark is a fund raiser for Red Nose Day. They tell each other that they are very happy with their respective lives, and Mark presents his new wife, who is none other than British supermodel Kate Moss, whom, 13 years prior, he jokingly said he was going to marry. Mark's final card proposes that they see what happened to the rest of their friends.

David, who has lost and recently regained his position as Prime Minister since the first film, dances in his official residence once again(this time to Hotline Bling, as opposed to Jump (For My Love) in the original), even continuing in great pain after falling down the stairs. His wife and former employee Natalie amicably reprimands him, and offers to make him tea. Later in a public speech, he states that although times are harder for a lot of people now, he still believes that love and the good in people will win in the end.

Billy Mack recently released a charity single, a cover of the 1983 ZZ Top song "Gimme All Your Lovin'". As the reporter interviewing him on radio tries to help him raise awareness for Red Nose Day, Billy openly admits to not caring about children (except for the ones that buy his discs) and that he only promotes the charity to, in truth, get free publicity for his upcoming autobiography, which he has admittedly neither written nor read. He then reveals with sadness that his manager Joe has died from a heart attack since the first film, before stating that the greatest sex he ever had was with one of the Kardashians, although he cannot decide which one.

Among salesman Rufus's products are red noses in honour of Red Nose Day. When a child in line buys one and agrees to have it gift wrapped, Rufus proceeds with great delight to take an absurdly excessive amount of time doing so. The waiting line soon becomes so long that it blocks car traffic outside.

Meanwhile, on their way to pick up their three children from school, Jamie and his wife Aurélia recall their first days together. Aurélia says in Portuguese that even though life makes it impossible to be completely happy, love sometimes makes you feel like you are. She then reveals to Jamie that she is pregnant with their fourth child, though he misunderstands her and believes she was telling him what was for dinner.

Sitting on a bench near the Thames, Daniel receives a surprise visit from his stepson Sam, who is now 26 and lives in New York City, New York, USA. When Daniel expresses concern because Sam had not been in touch, he is surprised to see Joanna, Sam's childhood crush 13 years ago who had left for US. She asks for Sam's hand in marriage, and Daniel, delighted, jokingly answers that he will think about it.

The film then ends with footage showing various people and actions supported by Comic Relief, and some of the film's cast wearing red noses.

Cast

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Production

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Shooting began in February 2017, with the film being announced at the same time.[1] The film was broadcast on BBC One as part of Red Nose Day on 24 March 2017. Among the returning cast are Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Andrew Lincoln, Thomas Sangster, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Marcus Brigstocke and Rowan Atkinson. Actors who did not return included Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Joanna Page,[4] Rodrigo Santoro, and Gregor Fisher. Emma Thompson explained her absence from the film: “Richard wrote to me and said, ‘Darling, we can’t write anything for you because of Alan,’ and I said, ‘No, of course, it would be sad, too sad,’” referring to the then-recent death of on-screen husband Alan Rickman.[5]

US version

[edit]

An additional sequence with Laura Linney and Patrick Dempsey was shot after the UK airing, for the US broadcast on NBC on 25 May 2017.[3] It features Linney's character, Sarah, answering her cell phone as if it were her brother calling as in the film, only to reveal the caller is Patrick Dempsey, who remarks that he loves the way she always answers her phone and that she is a wonderful wife, thus giving her character a decidedly happy ending.

The US version also includes alternate versions of the two Rowan Atkinson scenes, set in the US. There are alternate exterior shots of the store he works in, which is now a Walgreens in Midtown Manhattan, replacing the unnamed suburban British store in the original. The US version has Walgreens signage and Red Nose Day banners with the US date, two months later than in the UK, behind Atkinson throughout his scenes. The young actor playing Atkinson's customer speaks slightly different dialogue, with an American accent this time, and Atkinson describes costs in dollars instead of pounds.

The US version also replaces The Beach Boys' 1966 song "God Only Knows" over the opening shots with a cue from Craig Armstrong's score for the original film.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Red Nose Day Actually is a 2017 British television that functions as a sequel to the 2003 ensemble film . The 15-minute special, produced as a promotional piece for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day fundraising campaign, reunites several key characters from the original movie 14 years later to provide humorous updates on their lives and relationships. Red Nose Day is an annual charity event organized by , a British nonprofit founded in 1985 to combat poverty and injustice through comedy and entertainment. The campaign, which began in the UK in 1988 and expanded to the in 2015, encourages participants to wear red noses and engage in fundraising activities, raising hundreds of millions of pounds for global causes, including support for children and families in need. Red Nose Day Actually was specifically created to boost donations for the 2017 edition of the event, leveraging the popularity of —written and directed by , a co-founder of —to draw in audiences. The short was written by and directed by Curtis alongside Mat Whitecross. It features returning cast members from , including as the Prime Minister, as his love interest, , , , Lucia Moniz, , , , , , and ; notable absences include and the late . The plot revisits familiar storylines, such as Lincoln's character recreating his cue-card confession and Grant dancing in , while incorporating contemporary elements like and references for comedic effect. Red Nose Day Actually premiered in the on during the Red Nose Day on 24 March 2017, and in the United States on on 25 May 2017, coinciding with the American Red Nose Day broadcast. The special contributed to the overall success of the 2017 Red Nose Day efforts, which raised over £82 million in the UK alone for charitable causes. While critically mixed—praised for its nostalgic charm but critiqued for lacking originality—it successfully fulfilled its goal and delighted fans with cameos and lighthearted updates.

Background and Context

Connection to Love Actually

Red Nose Day Actually functions as a sequel to the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually, written and directed by Richard Curtis, which centers on an ensemble cast of British actors portraying multiple interconnected storylines about love and relationships in London over the Christmas period. The original film's structure of parallel narratives involving diverse characters—from a Prime Minister to everyday professionals—established a foundation for revisiting and extending those arcs in the follow-up short. Several character threads from directly inform the sequel's returns, highlighting unresolved emotional tensions. For instance, Mark (played by ), a reserved filmmaker harboring unrequited feelings for his best friend Peter's wife Juliet (Keira Knightley), culminates his arc with a poignant, wordless doorstep using handwritten cue cards. Similarly, Sarah (), an American executive at a design firm, faces ongoing personal struggles as her potential romance with colleague Karl () is derailed by incessant demands from her brother with a , prioritizing familial duty over her own desires. These elements underscore the original's exploration of love's complexities and sacrifices, priming the narrative for later continuations. Richard Curtis, returning as writer and producer for both projects and co-founder of Comic Relief, conceived the sequel to reunite the Love Actually cast in a lighthearted, nostalgic update that reflects on their lives amid contemporary challenges. Set 14 years after the events of the 2003 film, Red Nose Day Actually transposes the characters into a 2017 setting, maintaining thematic continuity while adapting to modern times. The short was commissioned by Comic Relief for its Red Nose Day fundraising initiative.

Role in Comic Relief

Comic Relief, founded in 1985 by comedian and writer in response to the Ethiopian , organizes Red Nose Day as its flagship biennial fundraising , held every other March since its inception in 1988. The event combines live entertainment, comedy sketches, and celebrity performances to drive donations toward alleviating and supporting humanitarian efforts in the UK and internationally, with the inaugural 1988 broadcast raising £15 million through viewer contributions. Over the decades, Red Nose Day has become a cultural staple, engaging millions via that blend humor with calls to action, amassing more than £1 billion in total funds by 2017. Red Nose Day Actually served as a major highlight of the 2017 Red Nose Day event, airing on on March 24 as a 10-minute designed to draw in audiences and amplify donations during the live . This sequel to the 2003 leveraged its returning star-studded cast to generate buzz and viewership, positioning it as a key attraction amid the night's lineup of sketches and performances. By capitalizing on the original film's enduring popularity, the special aimed to boost participation in Comic Relief's fundraising efforts, encouraging viewers to purchase red noses and make pledges in real time. Prior Red Nose Days had established a tradition of incorporating film and TV specials, including celebrity-driven sketches and short films, to sustain entertainment value and donor engagement—examples include the 1988 Blackadder special and later parodies like the 2007 Uptown Downstairs Abbey. However, Red Nose Day Actually stood out as a particularly high-profile , reuniting an ensemble of acclaimed actors in a format that elevated the event's cinematic appeal beyond typical comedy bits. The 2017 Red Nose Day ultimately exceeded its fundraising targets, raising over £71 million in initial pledges by the broadcast's end, with the sequel credited for helping attract a broad audience and contributing to this success through heightened visibility and emotional resonance. This total, bolstered by , underscored the event's impact in supporting Comic Relief's global poverty initiatives.

Film Content

Plot Summary

Red Nose Day Actually consists of interconnected vignettes that update the lives of characters from the 2003 film , set fourteen years later in March 2017, structured to highlight their personal developments while promoting Comic Relief's fundraising efforts. The narrative unfolds through brief, humorous segments in a single , emphasizing lighthearted resolutions and tying individual stories to the charity's mission of alleviating and hardship. With a runtime of approximately , the short prioritizes witty brevity and comedic timing over extended dramatic tension. The story opens with Mark's return to Juliet and Peter's home, where he uses cue cards for a public-style echoing his original unrequited ; this time, however, he affirms his own marital bliss with a supermodel wife (played by )—who dislikes his beard—and inquires about the group's status, proposing a reunion in support of Red Nose Day. Meanwhile, the , having endured a political downfall that sidelined him in opposition for five years following his standoff with the U.S. president in the original film, celebrates his re-election by dancing exuberantly to Drake's "" despite a recent back injury, before delivering an inspiring speech on and charitable action. Sarah's arc resolves the phone-interrupted challenges from her backstory, where calls from her disabled brother Michael repeatedly disrupted her life; she receives an affirming call from Michael expressing and pride in her, symbolizing her fulfillment in her family role. Other threads include rock star Billy Mack promoting a charity single tied to his on a local radio station, mourning the recent death of his manager Joe from a heart attack; former salesman causing chaotic delays at a by elaborately wrapping Red Nose purchases; author Jamie and his wife Aurelia, fluent in each other's languages after years together, managing three children and announcing a fourth ; and widower Daniel warmly approving his adult son Sam's to Joanna during a surprise visit. The vignettes converge in a unifying Comic Relief appeal, illustrating the charity's real-world impacts—such as providing aid to —and featuring the characters donning red noses, underscoring how personal bonds of love can inspire broader generosity and support for global causes. (Note: A version includes an additional scene resolving Sarah's storyline romantically with a new husband, played by .)

Cast and Characters

Red Nose Day Actually reunites several principal cast members from the 2003 film , providing updates on their characters' lives fourteen years later. The short film features returning actors reprising their roles, with brief glimpses into personal and professional evolutions, while noting the absence of key originals due to real-life circumstances. ( appears only in the version.) The cast includes:
ActorCharacterUpdate
David (The )Has served two terms as , having lost and regained office.
NatalieRemains in a relationship with David, supporting his political career.
MarkMarried to a () and sporting a beard.
Still married to Peter, raising a family.
JamieMarried to Aurelia with three children; she is pregnant with a fourth.
Lucia MonizAureliaMarried to Jamie, mother of three, pregnant with a fourth; fluent in English.
DanielWidowed stepfather to adult Sam, maintaining a reflective demeanor.
SamNow 26, living in New York as a , proposing to .
Has become a successful singer.
Billy MackAging rock star who has dated celebrities like ; mourns his late manager.
Radio DJInterviews Billy Mack on the radio about his charity single.
Works as a gift wrapper in a .
( version)SarahReceives affirming call resolving family challenges (); married with children ().
Notable absences include as Harry, due to the actor's death in 2016, and as Karen, who declined to participate out of respect for her late co-star and friend. No major new characters are introduced beyond brief cameos, such as appearing as Mark's wife.

Production Process

Development and Writing

Richard Curtis penned the script for Red Nose Day Actually specifically as a 10-minute to his 2003 Love Actually, envisioning it as a lighthearted reunion to update audiences on the characters' lives 14 years later. Conceived as a straightforward charity project, the short was tailored to fit the constraints of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day event, emphasizing humor and nostalgia over expansive storytelling. The development timeline was notably swift, with the project publicly announced on February 15, 2017, and the film premiering just over a month later on March 24, 2017, during the BBC's Red Nose Day broadcast. This accelerated pace was enabled by Comic Relief's prompt approval, driven by the initiative's alignment with their fundraising goals and its appeal as a cost-effective endeavor that maximized star power without significant financial outlay. Reuniting the original cast posed logistical hurdles, particularly scheduling conflicts amid the actors' demanding professional lives, which limited participation to a select group of returning performers. However, efforts succeeded in securing commitments from prominent stars like and , who navigated their availability to contribute to the charity-driven production. The budget remained minimal, capitalizing on the cast and crew's voluntary involvement to support Relief's mission of alleviating worldwide.

Filming and Direction

Filming for Red Nose Day Actually commenced in February 2017 and was completed over a few days, utilizing various London locations that echoed settings from the original Love Actually, such as exteriors evoking Downing Street, residential streets in Notting Hill, and a central London venue for press conference scenes. Interior sequences, including a drugstore scene, were shot at a Sainsbury's supermarket in Greenwich, South London. The short film was directed by , its writer and the creator of , with Mat Whitecross as co-director, overseeing the production of its interconnected character storylines. This approach allowed for a focused execution of the 10-minute runtime, emphasizing the reunion of original cast members in their roles. Stylistically, the film blends heartfelt dramatic moments with comedic vignettes in a multi-narrative format reminiscent of the original, employing quick cuts to sustain momentum across character updates while relying primarily on dialogue and minimal visual effects. Post-production proceeded swiftly to align with the March 24, 2017, broadcast as part of Red Nose Day, incorporating branding and concluding footage of the charity's global initiatives alongside cast members donning red noses.

Release and Adaptations

UK Broadcast

premiered on on 24 March 2017, integrated as a key segment within the live Red Nose Day telethon organized by to raise funds for charitable causes in the and abroad. The 10-minute short film served as a sequel to the 2003 , reuniting much of the original cast to update audiences on the characters' lives 14 years later. The broadcast formed part of a larger evening of at in , hosted by a lineup of celebrities including Sir Lenny Henry, , , and , who interspersed sketches, musical performances, and appeals throughout the night. Promotional efforts in the lead-up included teaser trailers highlighting returning stars such as , , and , which generated significant buzz among fans of the original film. The , encompassing the special, drew an average audience of 6.2 million viewers, peaking at 7.6 million during high-profile moments. Immediately following the airing of Red Nose Day Actually, presenters led donation appeals to encourage viewer contributions, aligning the special with the event's core mission and helping drive the night's total pledges. This version differed from a subsequent aired on in the United States, which featured additional American elements and new cast members.

US Version

The version of Red Nose Day Actually was adapted for broadcast on on May 25, 2017, as part of the network's inaugural multi-hour Red Nose Day charity aimed at raising funds to combat . This iteration, sometimes promoted under the title Love Actually... Red Nose Day, incorporated exclusive content not present in the UK original to appeal to American viewers while maintaining ties to the 2003 film's ensemble narrative. A primary modification involved reshoots of new vignettes following the premiere, most notably an extended storyline for Laura Linney's character Sarah, who in the original film prioritized family obligations over romance. In the US edition, Linney reprises the role alongside as her new love interest, culminating in a romantic resolution that extends the overall runtime by about two minutes to approximately 12 minutes. These additions were crafted to provide closure to unresolved threads from the source material, adapting original plot elements like character relationships for contemporary resonance. Further contextual adjustments localized humor and branding for audiences, including reconfiguring Rowan Atkinson's scene from a British Boots pharmacy to an American store, complete with updated Red Nose Day promotional banners displaying the May 25 event date instead of the March airing. No major alterations were made to core sequences involving other returning cast members, preserving the sequel's focus on catching up with figures like the former and his staff. The production of these US-specific changes was managed by in partnership with US, with original writer and director directly overseeing the reshoots and integrations to ensure narrative consistency. This collaboration leveraged Curtis's involvement from the outset, building on the short's initial filming in earlier that year.

Reception and Impact

Critical Response

Red Nose Day Actually received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its nostalgic appeal and charitable intent but criticized its lightweight tone and lack of depth compared to the original Love Actually. The short film holds an audience score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 50 ratings, reflecting generally positive viewer sentiment for its humor and character reunions. On IMDb, it has a 7.1 out of 10 rating from more than 7,400 users, with many appreciating the brief updates on beloved characters and the lighthearted comedy. Critics highlighted the film's success in evoking warmth through familiar faces and cameos, particularly Hugh Grant's energetic return as the , which was described as a "triumphant" highlight that stole the show. The nostalgic elements and self-aware nods to the original's iconic moments were seen as charming, making it a fun treat for fans despite its brevity. Its to was widely commended, with reviewers noting that the charitable purpose elevated its otherwise simple entertainment value. However, several reviews pointed out the short's weaknesses, including a contrived script with forced emotional beats and an overreliance on appearances rather than fresh humor. It was often called "bafflingly weak" and unfunny, lacking the emotional resonance or satirical edge of the 2003 , and appealing primarily to dedicated fans. Some press coverage labeled the special "dreadful," accusing it of lousy jokes and superficial updates. Culturally, the film was appreciated for reinforcing Comic Relief's message of love and support in tough times, but it sparked debate as a potential cash-grab , presuming too much on audience loyalty without substantial innovation. Notable reviews included The Telegraph's praise for its "winningly nostalgic" vibe and 's verdict that, while not comedic, it effectively served its role.

Charitable Contributions

Red Nose Day Actually played a pivotal role in Comic Relief's 2017 Red Nose Day fundraising, serving as a major highlight of the March 24 broadcast that drew significant viewer engagement and contributions. The event ultimately raised a total of £82,154,943, surpassing previous years and supporting a range of alleviation initiatives. The short film's reunion of the cast was widely credited with boosting donations during the , helping to elevate the overall total through heightened public interest. The special also spurred increased online engagement, with the hashtag #RedNoseDayActually becoming prominent on , amplifying awareness and encouraging real-time pledges from audiences across platforms. In the , an adapted version of the film aired as part of NBC's Red Nose Day special on May 25, 2017, contributing to the campaign's success in raising over $38 million for programs tackling domestically and internationally. Long-term, Red Nose Day Actually enhanced Comic Relief's visibility, paving the way for comparable charity-driven film reunions in subsequent events, such as the 2019 sequel. The funds it helped generate supported critical projects in the UK addressing and , as well as international efforts in focused on , healthcare, and . While no significant updates to the have emerged since 2017, it continues to be featured in 2020s retrospectives on impactful charity entertainment, underscoring its lasting influence on strategies.

References

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