David Tennant says he’s delighted to be a host for ‘beautifully brilliant and bonkers’ Red Nose Day

David Tennant has hailed Comic Relief as ‘beautifully brilliant and bonkers’ as he prepares for hosting duties on Red Nose Day.

The Doctor Who and Broadchurch star will present part of the TV special alongside Zoe Ball tonight, saying that he’s loved being a part of the fundraising efforts since he was a child.

“Comic Relief is part of the national furniture,” he said. “As a school kid I always looked forward to it coming around.

“As a student I went busking for it in Glasgow. Me and my mate Alan did a Proclaimers tribute act during drama school lunch hours.

“It’s one of those things that I’ve grown up with. It’s always something exciting to be part of.”

Tennant, who grew up in Paisley, praised the charity’s impact and how it changes lives not just in the UK but worldwide too.

He said: “I had the privilege of going to see some of the work the charities have done overseas and I was moved and also cheered by it.

“I was depressed by what is needed and cheered by what is possible. That’s always a reason to come back and support the charity.”

The 47-year-old, who’s currently helming a podcast with the likes of Olivia Colman, Jon Hamm and Sir Ian McKellen as guests, says he was more than happy to get the call to come and help out – even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone into live hosting.

“It’s like national service-if you get a call from Comic Relief, you don’t say no,” he says.

“I’ve presented once before for Comic Relief. That was the first time I’d ever done it –but then I hadn’t been asked to do it since! So I’m very grateful that they are willing to take that risk again.

“From what I remember of live TV, it’s quite chaotic and in the moment. My very limited experience of live TV would tell me just to roll with it on the night.

“I’m very pleased that I’ll be presenting alongside Zoe Ball. She’s got live broadcasting running through her blood, so I can rely on her to do all the difficult stuff!”

A number of his fellow Scots will also be taking part in sketches on the night.

Richard Madden will star in a special short of hit drama Bodyguard, while John Hannah reprises his Four Weddings and a Funeral role.

Susan Calman also stars in the latest Red Nose Day Mamma Mia parody.