Press Release

James Thornton and Charlie Baker have tapped their way to victory in the grand finale of Let's Dance For... Comic Relief 2011, following a show-stopping performance of Puttin' On The Ritz.

The viewers were treated to a supreme dance-off between the six finalists – Katie Price (I Want To Break Free, Queen), Charlie Baker and James Thornton (Puttin' On The Ritz, from the musical of the same name), Noel Fielding (Wuthering Heights, Kate Bush), 80s Super Group – Toyah Willcox, Limahl, Clare Grogan and Chesney Hawkes (Greased Lightning from the film Grease), Ade Edmondson (ably hindered by Rik Mayall to The Dying Swan from the classic ballet Swan Lake) and Russell Kane (Crazy In Love, Beyonce).

Presenters Alex Jones and Steve Jones announced that the viewers had chosen James and Charlie as the nation's dance heroes.

Let's Dance veterans and former series champions Robert Webb and Rufus Hound handed over the Let's Dance For... Comic Relief trophy to the surprised pair as Robert announced: "Men dressed as men, the template is smashed and well done, it's about time."

Rufus added: "Understand that the moment you accept this award, for the rest of your lives, all that will happen is that people will stop you in the street and shout, do the dance. Do the dance my friends, do the dance!"

Charlie accepted the trophy, going on to thank the voting public: "Thank you so much to everybody at home who voted for Comic Relief... We've had an absolutely brilliant time!"

Best friend James added: "I just want to say thanks to everyone who voted at home, we've raised so much money for a brilliant cause and that's what it's all about and we've had a real laugh whilst we've been doing it."

Panellists Rufus Hound, Miranda Hart, and Louie Spence were on hand with their summation of the night's performance.

Following Charlie's and James's performance, last year's winner and finale panellist Rufus said: "Charlie, I've known you for a long time now and I didn't expect you to ever be doing that. I haven't enjoyed so much clip clopping since I lived underneath that bridge. Tremendous, both of you, well done."

Comic actress Miranda coyly added: "You are lovely, thank you, I'll see you in the bar later. That's it, that's all I can say."

Choreographer Louie said: "You had great fluidity through the moves, it was beautiful and your rhythm was great. I'd be more than happy to be your Ginger Rogers."

James and Charlie then closed the series in style with a final reminder of why they are the nation's favourite and Let's Dance For... Comic Relief Champions 2011, treating viewers to a final encore of Puttin' On The Ritz.

There were performances from Plan B with his latest single Writing's On The Wall and Nicole Scherzinger who performed her latest track Don't Hold Your Breath.

Notes to Editors

Red Nose Day 2011 is heading your way on Friday 18 March when the great British public will once again be asked to Do Something Funny for Money.

To join in the fun go to www.rednoseday.com and find out how you can get involved. By raising cash this Red Nose Day, you're helping to change lives forever. That's because Comic Relief spends all the money raised by the public to give extremely vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa a helping hand to turn their lives around.

Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).

2010 Champion: Rufus Hound – Fight For This Love, Cheryl Cole.

2009 Champion: Robert Webb – What A Feeling from the film Flashdance.

NE/MF2