Despite beginning his career in singing and then acting Keith Chegwin is best known as a television presenter working on the likes of Swap Shop and The Big Breakfast.
But for Comic Relief Cheggers is getting behind the Jammoe Dodgers 'Give us a giggle' campaign and I caught up with him to talk to him about doing something funny for money.
You are getting behind the Jammie Dodgers ‘Give us a giggle’ campaign for Comic Relief. Can you tell me a little more about the campaign?
‘Give us a giggle’ is a campaign by Jammie Dodgers to find the UK’s funniest joke. When people submit their jokes (for free) they will be entered into the ‘Give us a giggle’ competition.
I will then be selecting my ten favourite jokes, which will face an online public vote from the 16th March. So make sure you get your jokes in early.
The winner will not only be crowned the King or Queen of comedy, they will also win an all expenses paid family holiday to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer.
How can people get involved?
If you’re lucky enough to spot a red giggle booth on its nationwide tour, you can go in there and tell one, or you can go online and visit giveusagiggle.com. The red giggle booths are exactly as they sound red booths.
They will be appearing in various supermarkets up and down the country. You’ll easily spot one just look out for the famous Jammie Dodgers and the words ‘Give us a Giggle’.
If you see one, do your bit for Red Nose Day and submit your funniest joke. Two pence from every pack of Jammie Dodgers sold will also be donated to Comic Relief to raise £160,000 towards making a difference to thousands of people’s lives, both here in the UK and in Africa.
How and why did you get involved?
It’s for a good cause and I love getting involved with anything that’s about laughter, comedy and having fun - that’s what people know me for.
You are searching for the UK’s funniest joke what are some of your funniest gags?
Here’s a selection of my favourite Cheggers Chuckles:
Two hamburgers walked into a bar. The man behind the counter said - sorry - we don’t serve food
If the police arrest a mime artist - do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?
I went to the doctor as I had a lettuce growing out of my bottom. The Doctor said that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
I also had a strawberry growing out of me ear - He said - I’ll put some cream on that.
We are in a climate of economic uncertainty that could hit the total that Comic Relief will raise. Is there anything you want to say to make people give a little bit of money?
There are loads of ways that people can ‘Do something funny for money!’ this Red Nose Day, transforming lives across Africa and the UK. Some of my top fundraising tips are:
Wear something funny for money - Invite your friends round to watch all the Red Nose Day TV comedy on Friday 13th March. Charge for the comfiest seats on the couch and sell refreshments too
Cook something funny for money - Cake sales are sure-fire money spinners! Make cupcakes, biscuits or home-made treats and sell them to your friends, family and colleagues to raise a tasty sum
Wear something funny for money - Wear red, fancy dress, or your pyjamas all day and whether you dress up, dress down, cross-dress or undress, remember to pay for the privilege!
Brew something funny for money - Put the kettle on, make a brew and ask everyone for a donation for a perfect cuppa
Play something funny for money - Hold a fancy dress football match, a sponsored skipathon or a jellyfilled welly throwing competition. Or simply set up a swear box at work and get all your foul mouthed friends to cough up!
Perform something funny for money - get sponsored to stay silent for the day, dye your hair bright red or jump straight into a bath of baked beans, these simple ideas are legendary!
Away from Comic Relief, what have you been up to recently?
I’m a regular on the Chris Moyles show on Radio 1, as well as GMTV and Noel’s HQ on Sky One. I also run my own internet bingo site.
You began your career as a child actor appearing in Roman Polanski’s Macbeth and appearing in the West End was acting always your first love and how did you get into the industry?
Acting was never my first love, it was singing! I actually got into acting accidentally. I was 10 years old when I gave my first performance in public in a talent show on holiday with the family I won it and then went to stage school in London.
You became a household name in the eighties with the likes of Swap Shop so why did you leave the acting behind? Is it a move you regret?
No, I don’t regret it as I love the job I’ve got. Although I did really enjoy working with Ricky Gervais when acting on Extra’s!
What drew you to pursue a career as a TV presenter?
Money! I earned more in TV presenting than acting, and I thrive on the excitement of live TV.
You hosted the Children’s Bafta Awards last year. How did you get involved with that? Any plans for you to do it this year?
I loved it, especially meeting Daniel Craig. We had a good chinwag on stage! I’ve hosted in twice now so who knows, maybe third time lucky?!
Keith Chegwin is helping to choose the nation's favourite joke for 'Give Us A Giggle' this Red Nose Day sponsored by Jammie Dodgers. Log on to giveusagiggle.com to submit your favourite joke".
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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