Comic Relief has been slammed by some viewers of the annual telethon after Mollie King was seen just hours after completing her epic cycling challenge for the charity in memory of her late dad.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter, who is engaged to cricketer Stuart Broad, tragically lost her dad Steve in 2022, just weeks after she'd welcomed her first child, Annabella. But Mollie has spoken out about how her late father is 'pushing' her along on her Red Nose Day challenge.
After being approached by the charity, Mollie agreed to cycle 500km from London to Hull - her late dad's hometown - via Salford. After five days of cycling 100km a day, including through the Pennines - the former The Saturdays singer finished her challenge on Friday afternoon (March 15) with over a million pounds raised.
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Speaking after her massive feat, the 36-year-old said: "Oh my goodness, thank you everyone for coming down. I am completely overwhelmed…I can’t believe we have raised £1million.” An emotional Mollie added of the last moments of her time on the bike: "It was time for me to think about my dad and to know he was doing the journey with me."
After being reunited with Stuart and their daughter, Mollie later travelled back to Salford where she appeared live on Comic Relief's telethon on BBC One, where she was applauded for her effrots and given an updated total of more than 1,170,000.
According to Comic Relief, the money raised from Pedal Power “could help break the cycle of poverty for people in UK and around the world”, which includes support for children and young people who are experiencing neglect, abuse, stigma and physical and mental trauma.
But some felt Mollie's moment on the show wasn't long enough to applaud her efforts. @GSTGunner said: "Five days of cycling for just five seconds of airtime for Mollie King. Poor form. #ComicRelief #rednoseday." @danieljbuckle commented: "Mollie cycles five days straight for Comic Relief, but more airtime is given to British Airways #ComicRelief@MissSeaPeaches added: "I thought the same! @MollieKing did an amazing job!"
Others, however, were amazed. @jennella shared: "I can’t believe you managed to walk on the stage in heels after all you have done this week, you are amazing!" @__s**ticantsay echoed: "How is Mollie King up and about looking so amazing on #ComicRelief AND in heels after that cycle challenge? I'd have gone to bed for a month."
Since then, Mollie has shared her own message on social media. Alongside pictures of her looking gorgeous in a strappy figure-hugging dress for her big moment on the Comic Relief show on Friday night, she said: "Oh my goodness!! WOW what a week… I don’t even know where to begin! To say I was nervous on Monday would be an understatement but this has truly been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
"I pushed myself to the absolute limit but seeing the total we managed to raise last night made it all worth it, and more. I think it’s going to take a few days to fully process the whole week but I wanted to take this moment to just say a few MASSIVE thank yous.
"Firstly, thank you to @comicrelief for believing in me when you asked me to take on this almighty challenge, and for all the work you do. Thank you to all the team on the road who always had smiles on their faces even at those 4am and 5am starts. Thank you to my incredible team at @bbcradio1 and fellow presenters, I will never ever forget your incredibly kind words on and off air. Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support.
"@matthewedmondson where do u start - I genuinely wouldn’t have made it through the challenge without you - thank you for literally picking me back up when I couldn’t stand any longer, and for constantly telling me I COULD do it and to ignore the other voice in my head. You are incredibly special."
She added: "And mostly, thank you to EVERY SINGLE ONE of you who donated, messaged or came out to cheer me on. I will never EVER forget it. It means the absolute world to me and it’s something I’ll be forever grateful for. I really can’t believe it. The money we’ve raised will transform lives so from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you."
And it didn't take long for the praise to come flooding in. @rosierooroo87 said: "So amazing! So proud of you Mollie, so pleased you’ve had so much support behind you. Well done Mollie." @lollylouisejane commented: "What an absolute beauty you are Mols. You are one in a Mollion!!!" @theboujeebrideco wrote: "You're amazing! Such an Incredible achievement."
@themumclubeastrenfrewshire shared: "Absolutely smashed it @mollieking , you were incredible and should be so proud of what you have achieved!" @dylansarmy_12 posted: "Well done. Such an amazing achievement. How beautiful to share in your dad’s memory. After all that you look absolutely beautiful too." @bespokebellacakes added: "@mollieking you are a national treasure for sure. I’ve cried all week you have achieved so much for those who really need the support ‘you did this’."
