RTÉ Does Comic Relief airs tonight – and here’s what you can look forward to

Happy Friday!

Or as it shall be known as today: RTÉ Does Comic Relief day. We're still technically in lockdown, so chances are you've nothing on this evening. And even if you do, you'd do well to cancel those plans and sit in for a watch of this instead. It's gonna be a good 'un, from the sounds of it. Normal People special  As we are all very aware, there will be a Normal People special on RTÉ Does Comic Relief tonight. We don't know exactly what it will entail, and we don't know who's involved other than Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones (and to be honest, that's enough), but we do know that it's going to get us right in the feels and will probably be quite funny too. Comic Relief founder Richard Curtis told RTÉ Radio 1 recently that the special will be "really beautiful." "I can't imagine any context in which they would have allowed a sort of little extra special into the world of Normal People - and you guys have got two!" he said. "I promise you, though, these are two very special bits." https://twitter.com/rte/status/1275141504441319424?s=20 Derry Girls sketch  The cast of hit Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls are among the countless other comedy folk bringing a bit of laughter to our Friday night this evening. All week, they and creator Lisa McGee have been sharing updates on social media of themselves rehearsing for the special (via Zoom, obviously), for what is sure to be a hilarious, touching, and brilliant sketch. Sláinte, motherfuckers. https://twitter.com/LisaMMcGee/status/1275429112555999234?s=20 Aisling Bea / Hozier collab  The collaboration we need - and deserve. It makes sense that both Aisling Bea and Hozier will be taking part in RTÉ Does Comic Relief: they're a successful comedy writer and musician respectively, after all. But tonight, Aisling and Hozier will be joining forces to bring a sketch that incorporates both of their talents: Aisling's humour... and Hozier's inability to deliver dirty jokes. Can't wait. https://twitter.com/RTEOne/status/1275693449019359234?s=20 The Den reboot  Y E S. Well, okay, it's not exactly a reboot as such but Ray D'Arcy will indeed be joined by Dustin and Zig and Zag for a live revival of the popular kid's show sometimes tonight - and that's good enough for us. “I think the way people’s heads are right now, nostalgia is bigger than ever," said Ray this week. "The idea of a reunion “sort of suggested itself. I suspect I’ll be doing what I mainly did for eight years: sit in the middle and laugh, and occasionally act like a responsible parent and tell someone, ‘You can’t say that.'" RTÉ Does Comic Relief airs tonight, Friday June 26, at 8pm. Hosted by Deirdre O'Kane, Nicky Byrne, Baz Ashmawy, Jennifer Zamparelli, and Eoghan McDermott, the special is sure to give us all a right laugh during these trying times while also raising vital funds for charity. Also taking part in sketches tonight is the following incredibly long list of people: Dara Ó Briain, Hozier, Amy Huberman, Bridget & Eamon, Chris O’Dowd, Jason Byrne, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, Andrew Scott, Niall Horan, Pat Shortt, Foil Arms & Hog, The 2 Johnnies, Una Healy, Roy Keane, Aisling Bea, John Bishop, David Mitchell, Oliver Jeffers, Soulé, the Derry Girls, Paths to Freedom, Waterford Whispers News, Andrew Maxwell, Ed Byrne, Roisín Ó, Jimmy Carr, Saoirse Ronan, Mairéad Farrell, Risteárd Cooper, Neil Delamere, Brian O’Driscoll, Lenny Abrahamson, Paul Howard, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Dustin, Ray D’Arcy, Zig and Zag, Christy Moore and Dawn O’Porter, among others. All funds raised during tonight's event will go directly towards the Community Foundation for Ireland, who will dispense the money between a variety of national, regional, and local charities. Donations will provide essential supports and assistance to vulnerable communities across Ireland who are impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. You can make a donation here.