PREVIEW: Billy Monger's Big Red Nose Day Challenge, BBC One

To raise money for 2021’s Red Nose Day, professional racing driver Billy Monger pushes himself to the limit as he takes on a truly unforgettable celebrity challenge - walking, kayaking and cycling 140 miles across England.

En route to the start line, he takes a detour to his beloved Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground. Unaware a surprise is in store, he is met by The Special One himself, Jose Mourinho, who gives him some motivational words of encouragement.

The challenge begins at the iconic Millennium Bridge in Newcastle, where Billy has to walk over 18 miles to the distant Durham Cathedral. As the going gets tough, Billy receives a morale-boosting visit from comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Ramsey who is waiting for him under the Angel Of The North.

With little time to recover, Billy travels to the Lake District where the next day he has to circumnavigate the beautiful yet intimidating Ullswater, Britain’s second largest lake. But with treacherous gale force winds making the lake unsafe, both the challenge and Billy’s momentum grinds to a halt until conditions improve. The next day the weather clears enough for Billy to finally take to the water where he is surprised by BBC Breakfast host and experienced Comic Relief challenger Dan Walker.

Next up is the longest stage of the challenge, with Billy having to clock up over 65 miles cycling from the Bullring in Birmingham to the majestic Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. With so much riding on Billy going the distance, popstar Cheryl – who herself climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief - surprises Billy along the way, and television presenter Vick Hope waits to greet Billy at the end of his longest day in the challenge so far.

The fifth and final day of the challenge sees Billy make up the remaining miles at world-famous race circuit Brands Hatch in Kent. With a gruelling final day of cycling and walking ahead of him, Billy is joined by Radio 2 Breakfast host and seasoned Comic Relief star Zoe Ball who cycles the track alongside him, as well as comedian Joel Dommett who is by his side for a walking lap of the track.

Billy Monger's Big Red Nose Day Challenge airs Thursday 18th March at 9pm on BBC One.