CELEBRITIES joined stand-up comic Jon Richardson for a live virtual gig for good causes including St John’s Hospice.

Richardson, the Lancaster-born comic and star of the 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown quiz show, worked with other performers to put on his ‘No Audience with Jon Richardson and Friends’ comedy show.

The line-up of stars appearing via video links included Dave Gorman, Jack Whitehall, ‘Lost Voice Guy’ of Britain’s Got Talent fame, Tez Ilyas, Justin Moorhouse, Harriet Dyer, Bethany Black, Russell Kane, Josh Widdecombe, Jason Manford, art by Amy Coney, Lisa Goodwin-Allen who is the executive chef at the Michelin star Northcote Manor restaurant, music from Badly Drawn Boy, the Lancashire Hotpots, a sports star quiz, Kim Cattrall of ‘Sex and the City’ fame and more.

And deadpan Jon said while hosting from an armchair: “This may look like the creepiest episode of Jackanory ever, but this isn’t the first time I’ll have done a gig to no laughs whatsoever.”

Richardson has previously performed at live gigs in Morecambe to raise money for the Lancaster hospice, which also serves the South Lakes.

His late uncle was once under the care of St John’s which motivated him to do what he could for the organisation.

The live stream was part of a campaign to also raise money for the Community Foundation for Lancashire COVID-19 Fund, NHS Charities Together, Music Therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins and the United We Stream Solidarity Fund.

The show featured appearances from Jon’s wife Lucy giving a talk on potty training and even ‘Donald Trump’ dropped in to say hello...although not the actual President of the United States, it was an impressionist.

Jon brought his usual sarcastic and witty humour into his presenting.

The TV star emphasised the hard work and sacrifice undertaken by key workers every day during the coronavirus pandemic. The evening saw a combined audience of 114,000 across the streaming website and social media platforms.

Catherine Butterworth, director of income generation for St John’s Hospice said: “Jon has long been a loyal supporter of St John’s and this love for the hospice shines through everything he does to raise funds for us.”

Jon announced at the end of the live stream that more than £30,000 was donated, which is still rising.

To donate further please visit justgiving.com/campaign/NoAudienceJonR.