England footballers Declan Rice and Mason Mount join Jack Whitehall for Red Nose Day mini-golf special

Virgin Radio

7 Mar 2022, 09:22

With Red Nose Day just around the corner, a couple of star England footballers are set to show off their skills in a different sport to raise money for charity.

As part of the epic night of entertainment and fundraising on BBC One on Friday 18th March, West Ham star Declan Rice and Chelsea maestro Mason Mount will join comedian Jack Whitehall on the golf course. But it’s not the kind of golf course that footballers are known for spending time on. 

Rather than the beautiful surroundings of a traditional 18-hole golf course, the trio will be taking part in the 2022 Mini Golf Challenge for Comic Relief! 

Award winning comedian Jack, who is an Arsenal fan, will challenge the two Euro 2020 stars, and childhood best mates, in “a high stakes game of mini golf”, as they all attempt to put in a tee-riffic performance.

Jack said: "I am so thrilled that I am able to come off zoom this year and get to host my very own challenge for Comic Relief, with two sporting heroes! I am a huge fan of both Declan and Mason (despite them not playing for my team) but can only hope they leave all their ball skills on the football pitch, so I can claim victory! Filming with them is going to be so much fun, but we cannot lose sight of why we are doing this and that is to help raise money for Comic Relief, which such a worthwhile and brilliant charity and it really does make a difference to people’s lives all over the world, and I am honoured to play a small part in that.” 

West Ham’s Declan Rice added: “I do love my golf and I cannot wait to take on Mason Mount and Jack Whitehall at mini golf all in aid of Comic Relief! I remember watching Comic Relief growing up and seeing what brilliant work it does for those in need, in our country and the rest of the world. I’ll be taking part in this year’s big television fundraiser, and encourage you all to support if you are able.”

Chelsea star Mason Mount said: “I can’t wait to get involved with Comic Relief this year, I’ve grown up watching it so it feels amazing to be a part of the action. We’ve got tough competition with Jack and I feel like he might have a few tricks up his sleeve, but hopefully our skills from the pitch transfer over to the mini golf course. It’s all for a good cause but we’ll never live this one down if we lose.”

This year’s Red Nose Day will see Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness and, of course, Sir Lenny Henry, present an evening of sketches, live performances, cracking music and big surprises. Also, The Great Comic Relief Prizeathon will be hosted by Joel Dommett and AJ Odudu. 

Red Nose Day raises money to help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health. 

Donations this year will also help to fund organisations providing essential support for people in Ukraine.

Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 18th March on BBC One from 7pm.