Brand and Wax in charity special

Jo Brand and Ruby Wax have been named as contestants in the celebrity version of Fame Academy.

They will be joined by Ulrika Jonsson, Paul Ross, Cold Feet's John Thompon, Saturday Show presenter Fearne Cotton and Casualty actors Will Mellor and Kwame Kwei-Armah for the Comic Relief special.

Another mystery celebrity will audition with these eight on Friday night, with the weakest star evicted from the academy before they even start.

One other celebrity will be voted out every night of the week, until the final on Red Nose Night, March 14.

Tutors will include England rugby ace Laurence Dallaglio and boxer Audley Harrison for fitness, hypnotist Paul McKenna for combating stage fright, Lord Andew Lloyd Webber, hairdresser Nicky Clarke and chef Ainsley Harriot.

As for the original BBC TV show, it will be hosted by Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty and led by headteacher Richard Park.

Comic Relief chief executive Kevin Cahill, said: "Every time somebody votes to save their favourite student, Comic Relief will get cash that is helping to bring an end to poverty and social injustice in the UK and Africa."

Comic Relief

Published: 3 Mar 2003