It’s been years since Geraldine Granger or Lou and Andy appeared on our screens, but tonight they’re making a comeback.

As a world in lockdown seeks solace in nostalgia, the much-loved characters will be taking part in Big Night In to raise money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The televised event will bring together BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief for the first time.

It’s been 22 years since the final episode of The Vicar Of Dibley aired on TV, and five years since its last charity special.

But Dawn French will be pulling on her dog collar and cross to revive the down-to-earth female vicar for the show.

Her sketch is rumoured to include a Zoom parish meeting, which will no doubt be doomed to technical failure.

Little Britain will return to TV for the first time in more than 10 years, with David Walliams and Matt Lucas performing a new sketch.

The final series aired in 2008 and included characters such as Vicky Pollard, Emily Howard, Marjorie Dawes, Dafydd, Mr Mann, and Lou and Andy.

Peter Kay will also make a rare appearance, after largely disappearing from the stage and screen.

He’s expected to recreate his famous music video for Tony Christie’s (Is This the Way to) Amarillo.

In 2005, the song spent seven weeks at number one, raising money for Comic Relief in the process.

The famous video featured Kay march towards the camera on a treadmill joined by celebrities including Brian May, Michael Parkinson, Ronnie Corbett and Mr Blobby.

Catherine Tate will resurrect her “not bovvered” schoolgirl Lauren, who is struggling with home schooling in the current lockdown situation.

And ten Doctor Who actors from the last 50 years will also unite to share their appreciation for NHS and frontline workers.

Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Jo Martin, Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and David Tennant are all taking part.

Gary Barlow, Chris Martin and Liam Payne will also offer some musical refreshment on the night.

The three-hour show aims to raise millions of pounds for vulnerable people around the UK who have been affected by the pandemic.

The government has pledged to match all public donations, with a minimum of £20m.

The majority of the guests will film at home or from a remote location, in order to adhere to strict social distancing rules.

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However, hosts Sir Lenny Henry and Davina McCall will present from the studio for the first hour of the show, but always staying at least two metres apart.

The Big Night In is on BBC One on Thursday 23 April from 7pm.