An emotional Greg James has crossed the finish line of his mammoth 1,000km bike ride challenge for Red Nose Day.
The Radio 1 DJ has raised over £4million for Comic Relief with donations continuing to pour in.
Cheering crowds greeted him at Murrayfield in Edinburgh this morning as he finished the challenge shortly after 10.30am.
Speaking to Vick Hope and Jack Saunders at the finish line, he said: “I can't believe it's done! I couldn't see, I just kept bursting into tears at everyone I saw. Please, let me get off this bike!”
Greg was given support from famous faces throughout the ride, including the Prince of Wales.
He began the gruelling eight-day ride in Weymouth, Dorset, on Friday.
Follow the latest updates below... and donate here!
Final message from Greg James's Longest Ride Liveblog
11:33 , Lisa McloughlinSigning off from the blog - but let us leave you with this message.
On day 5, Greg shared: “I think it's important to be a part of your 'village'.
“Not necessarily a literal one. It can be your family, your friendship group, showing up to a friend's birthday when you really can't be bothered, helping your next door neighbour, doing extra stuff at your school.
”That's what I'll be most proud of, if people can think more about that... Because I've had to think about this stuff a lot more, coming out of the pandemic.
“When we were torn apart from each other, we desperately needed each other more and more.
“So we need to remember that while we can spend our life on our phones and have digital relationships with each other, we all do actually need to be together.”
Go well!
Greg raises over a whopping £4 million for Comic Relief
11:20 , Lisa Mcloughlin
Greg said “never again” after his 2018 challenge which raised £1million for Sport Relief.
But he came back and pushed himself to the limits, not only to complete 1000km but also to raise vital funds for Comic Relief.
Earlier Greg said, “£3 million would be like, wildest dreams. Anything over a million is a bonus.”
And the radio presenter has absolutely smashed that total, raising a whopping £4,041,910.
Reacting to the total, a stunned Greg shared: “I'm going back to Weymouth - for £4 million I'll do anything! I can't tell you what good that will do.
“£4 million?! Sorry my brain just actually stopped then!”
'I just dropped an f-bomb on the news'
10:49 , Lisa McloughlinGreg is in good spirits but absolutely shattered so much so he accidentally dropped a ‘f-bomb’ on the news.
The presenter’s father Alan couldn't be at the finish line as he had suffered a stroke following heart surgery earlier this month.
Speaking on TV after completing his Comic Relief challenge, Greg quipped: “My dad is hopefully watching me swear on the news.
Before adding: “He loves rugby so much. He would love to be here at Murrayfield. This is an iconic place. All these people have turned up...
“I am overwhelmed by the whole thing. Thank you to everyone for following this.”
Greg: 'Please, let me get off this bike'
10:40 , Lisa McloughlinSpeaking to Vick Hope and Jack Saunders at the finish line, Greg said: “I can't believe it's done! I couldn't see, I just kept bursting into tears at everyone I saw. Please, let me get off this bike.
“It feels amazing to complete that, to have done that amazing, to have pushed through it all, to be part of an amazing team, to have raised so much money, and to have finished!”
He added: “It's been such a struggle at times but everyone has got me through it. The thing I will remember the most is the joy of seeing everyone.
“There was so much joy on that whole journey.”
He later added: “The thing I want to continue is what I've seen across the whole country... I've been through England, Scotland, Wales.
“What I've seen is the spirit of everyone coming together and being great and having a nice time. And please treat everyone you see like a minor celebrity on a tandem okay?
“Wave at people. Be good to people. And if you can make someone's day you should, because it's been the biggest privilege to do this.”
Greg crosses the finish line in tears
10:35 , Lisa McloughlinThe broadcaster has completed his epic 1000km bike ride challenge and is overcome with emotion after his gruelling eight-day feat.
He's just arrived in Murrayfield Stadium to the cheers of a huge crowd.
What an experience!
999km down, 1km to go!
10:32 , Lisa McloughlinWe’re all behind you Greg!
Greg is getting emotional as he enters the final 2km
10:22 , Lisa Mcloughlin
He's on the last leg with 5km to go!
10:17 , Lisa Mcloughlin
Only 10km to go!
10:04 , Lisa McloughlinC’mon Greg you can do this!
Sir Chris Hoy shares his support for Greg
09:56 , Lisa McloughlinGreg James get a message from none other than Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.
He shared: “Hi Greg, it's Chris Hoy here. I just want to send you a very quick message to say well done on all you've achieved so far.
“You've done an amazing job and you're almost there.”
He continued: “Just know that tomorrow you're not going to have to sit on that saddle again and you're going to have such support coming into Edinburgh - that's my hometown!
“I know that people are going to get right behind you and cheer you in. You've raised so much money for such a worthy cause, so well done.
“Keep it going and enjoy that moment when you cross the line!”
Greg's total hits £3.3million
09:53 , Lisa Mcloughlin
Standout moments from Greg's Longest Ride
09:44 , Lisa McloughlinIn case you've not had the chance to follow along with James challenge live, here are a few highlights from the past eight days.
There have been ups and downs, both literally and emotionally. Warning, things might get emotional...
Whilst pedalling his way to Blaenavon on day two, emotions ran high with James bursting into tears.
"I just thought about my dad, my mum and everything. It just got way too much. It was so silly. Maybe it was the altitude...
And then someone gave me a Wales flag and I was holding that. And I thought about my nan and she's Welsh. I just thought about everything. And then everything just made me cry and I just felt really overwhelmed by it all."
There was a royal surprise for the presenter on day five when he took a quick detour to find... the Prince of Wales in a truck stop?!
The future King even hopped on the back of the bike to ride a few kilometers alongside James.
"That's the tightest I've grabbed the handlebars for the whole week. When he left, I just sat down quietly and thought, 'Fair play, he did not need to do that.'
“But it's amazing for him to amplify this challenge and spread the message of this adventure far and wide. I'm so, so grateful that happened."
Also on day 5, the broadcaster was pulled over to the side of the road for another very special surprise...
"I'm in a car park and the Red Arrows just flew over my head, with the red smoke on, in diamond formation. Wow, that's ludicrous. Where have they gone? Come back! Do it again!"
Jamie lost his forfeit thanks to Radio 1 listeners hitting a donation target.
We can confidently say that Jamie Laing dressed up in white lingerie, riding on the back of his tandem is one of the silliest moments of the challenge so far.
Fortunately for the people of the North East, Jamie's was wrapped up in a little more within minutes - it must've been a bit nippy!
On Thursday, Greg was surprised at the day 7 finish line by his wife Bella!
Greg: 'I do feel all the listeners are on this seat behind me'
09:35 , Lisa McloughlinSpeaking on the radio on Friday, James reflected on the physical feat.
He shared: “I do feel all the listeners are on this seat behind me. It's been a very, very, very, very special eight days of my life that I've really, really needed. Everyone just came together and did a fun thing this week.
“That's all we ever wanted to do. It's a fun thing, isn't it? And it's an extreme version of that.
“There was a school on the right - they were behind their playing fields fence. And they were just in the distance. And it looked like it was just silhouettes. The sun was behind them, they were just silhouettes, and they were just all waving, this huge mass of people. And it was a very, very bizarre scene.”
Adding: “My first cycle next week is going to be so sad. Where are all my fans? Where is everyone? Where's the film crew?
“This is the final bit. And then we'll leave you in peace. I can go and have a hot bath. And we can never speak of this again.”
Go well Greg!
Greg gets an extra special message
09:31 , Lisa McloughlinTo keep Greg going this morning, Matt and Mollie played him a voice message from a very special person...
“Hello it's Mum again. You know that Dad and I are beyond proud of what you've achieved so far, so keep going, you're nearly there! Lots of love, can't wait to see you at the weekend, bye!
Greg got choked up hearing his mum's voice: "Ah, Mum! They are amazing parents, they really are, I do tell them that.
“They always encouraged me to do things that I loved to do, and they always played, they loved playing. I felt so lucky that I always had a really happy house."
He's got only 20kms to go
09:13 , Lisa McloughlinThe Radio 1 team are gearing up for the 10minute take over as James is gearing up for the final 20kms.
At the finish line in Galashiels a kid said, “So Greg, are you cycling home?”
To which he quipped: “No! No I’m not, you little squirt.”
Greg: 'With all the support and energy, I feel like I can do anything'
09:08 , Lisa McloughlinJames said of his 4.40am call time: “I’m croaky but I’m up.”
“I’ve got nearly 70km to do to get to the end. I’m just going to get going - I’m fired up.
“With all the support and energy, and 2.5 milllion raised, I feel like I can do anything.”
Fancy another challenge then Greg?
Greg's on track to finish before his breakfast show end
09:06 , Lisa McloughlinGreg set off at 5.40am Friday morning for the final stretch and is determined to finish this challenge during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show - by 10.30am.
James says he’s "trying to stay in this surreal but brilliant moment. I haven't processed it yet."
What a guy!
Greg pushes through knee pain as Comic Relief nears £2.4m
Thursday 19 March 2026 17:24 , Tina CampbellGreg has revealed he is struggling with a painful knee as the challenge nears its end, admitting the issue started on day two and has worsened since.
He said his left knee began “pinging” early in the ride and has become increasingly uncomfortable despite attempts to adjust his pedalling.
“I can’t wait to see you all,” he said. “Up here with the sun over this beautiful country, it’s pleasant — but down below the waist, things aren’t good.”
Greg added that while he has been dealing with “a lot of pain in the buttocks”, it is his now swollen knee causing the most concern.
Despite the discomfort, he insisted the challenge — which has raised £2.4 million so far — remains firmly on track.
“The donations are the headline, not my stupid knee, which will recover,” he said. “The pain is completely worth it.”
He added that the support from the public has helped keep him going, describing the fundraising total as “the best painkiller” as he pushes towards the finish line.
Greg arrives in Scotland
Thursday 19 March 2026 16:35 , Tina CampbellHe set off in Weymouth and now Greg has crossed into Scotland, having just conquered his steepest hill yet to get there.
“I'm shaking, but I'm good,” he said of the achievement.
Adding: “The whole thing is so strange. I'm lost for words, I really am.”
150km to go!
Thursday 19 March 2026 14:13 , Tina CampbellThe finish line in Edinburgh is drawing nearer, with Greg now just 150km to go.
Giving him a much-needed boost today was his older sister Catherine, who couldn’t be prouder.
She said: "I've seen him grow up from being my sappy little brother to this incredible person he’s become today. And we’re really proud of everyone who’s come out to support, it’s been amazing.”
Jamie Laing joins Greg on tandum dressed
Thursday 19 March 2026 13:11 , Tina CampbellOne year on from his own Comic Relief challenge, a scantily clad Jamie Laing joined Greg James on the tandem.
The former Made In Chelsea star lost a forfeit after Radio 1 listeners hit a donation target, leaving him cycling in bridal underwear.
Jamie joked that putting it on made him “feel alive”, but admitted his “nips” were out in the cold.
Greg admits he's putting on a 'brave face' while dad in hospital
Thursday 19 March 2026 12:11 , Tina CampbellGreg’s dad has never been far from his thoughts as he continues to put foot to pedal.
Earlier this month, he revealed on social media that his dad, Alan Milward – affectionately known as “Big Al” – had suffered from a stroke, but said that he would still be undergoing his Red Nose Day challenge.
He told BBC Breakfast: "My dad is very ill, he fell ill a couple of weeks ago and is still in hospital."I'm very fortunate that I'm surrounded by - I have an amazing wife, an amazing dog.
"My sister and my niece have come up here to Sunderland, that's my little safety net.
"I feel very fortunate about that, and it's making me sad because I'm also very, very sad, but I'm having to brave face it a bit and be like, 'Yay, Comic Relief'.
"But I'm also remembering what it would be like for people who don't have that support, and that's what's really spurring me on."
He continued: "It actually makes me quite emotional when I see primary school kids coming out and waving and having flags and red noses and signs and stuff."Because I go, 'That's what it's all about' - everyone clubbing together and doing a nice thing."
Even the road signs were pulling for him...
Greg pulls over to celebrate new total
Thursday 19 March 2026 09:59 , Lisa McloughlinGreg was forced to pull over mid-ride to take in the latest fundraising total, visibly overwhelmed by the moment.
Spotting a pair of small white dogs nearby, he ran over in excitement, nearly scooping them up as he processed the news.
“Thank you. I feel like my heart's gonna burst with joy at what is happening so far,” he said.
So caught up in the emotion, the presenter even apologised for swearing on air, a rare slip for Greg.
New total update: £2,235,087
Thursday 19 March 2026 09:56 , Lisa Mcloughlin
Greg feeling 'depleted' and 'teary' going into day 7
Thursday 19 March 2026 09:15 , Lisa McloughlinGreg James has returned to the tandem bike for day seven of his endurance challenge, admitting he is feeling “depleted” as he heads into the penultimate stretch.
Speaking on Radio 1’s Matt & Mollie, the presenter said the emotional toll was beginning to catch up with him.
“I feel quite teary today,” he said.
“Everything is bubbling up a little bit - I've had to put everything to one side for ages, to get ready for this.
“And I spoke to my mum this morning, asking if she'd heard from dad, and she said: 'He was trying to ring Producer Amy in the night', because he wanted an update on the challenge but didn't want to disturb us?”
James went on to reveal he has not had a proper conversation with his father in weeks following his stroke.
“I haven't spoken to dad in ages. I haven't had a proper conversation with him in three weeks because he's had a stroke.
“And I was like, 'What's happening? Is his brain muddled?'”
His producer Amy reassured him on air, saying: “We had a lovely chat. Alan's doing very well. And we spoke about WhatsApp voicenotes and how it works for a little bit.”
Reflecting on the moment, James added: “That's dad doing dad things. I don’t know.
“Everything is a lot. And I genuinely have been cheered up by all of this, but I'm pretty done.
“And I understand why people are messaging saying I'm really there, but I'm not. You don't want to fall at the last hurdle.”
Jamie Laing faces lingerie forfeit in bid to raise £150k for Greg's tandem challenge
Thursday 19 March 2026 09:10 , Lisa McloughlinBBC Radio 1 listeners have been set a fundraising challenge: raise £150,000 by 9.30am and Jamie Laing will join James on the tandem bike wearing lingerie.
The forfeit stems from a long-standing pact between the pair, after James previously donned a wedding dress and ran 5km to support Laing during his earlier endurance effort.
At the time of writing, donations had reached £1,671,875, meaning the total must hit £1,821,875 by the deadline for Laing to carry out the challenge.
Urging listeners to dig deep, James said: “Get it happening,” before adding: “I really need everyone to club together. I don't wanna leave Sunderland until it's got to £2m.
“I'm serious. I'm going rogue and I don't care, because I'm so broken. I really wanna get these donations massive, because it's such a great cause.
“This pain is totally worth it. What I'm going through in my head this week is totally worth it. Because it's for the greater good.”
Greg gets cheered on by students at York university
Wednesday 18 March 2026 16:00 , Ekin KarasinGreg takes a breather
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:30 , Ekin KarasinGreg praises Arielle Free for her help on the bike
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:01 , Ekin Karasin“I've gotta say - aside from the Olympian and Tour De France winner Geraint Thomas, Arielle Free is most in sync with me,” he said.
“Absolutely motoring for the last half an hour. A life of dancing has done that for Arielle's thighs.
“She's light as a feather and as powerful as an ox. The perfect ratio.
“We have flown through the last 45 minutes, after I had a real wobble - a literal wobble - on the top of a hill, where I had to pull over and collapse.”
He added: We're keeping going, I've been able to get some pals on the back which has given me a boost physically and mentally.”
DJ Arielle Free joins Greg on the bike
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:20 , Ekin KarasinThe Scottish DJ and broadcaster, 37, joined her friend James on the back of the bike for some much-needed support.
Free will help him keep going as they head through North Yorkshire.
'He looked broken': Colleague shares concern
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:45 , Ekin KarasinRadio 1 presenter Katie Thistleton said: “Yesterday was the first day that I really saw it on his face, I saw it in his eyes - he looked broken, he looked so tired.
“At the very end we were listening to him and he was making some moans and groans (not moaning as in complaining, he doesn't do that).
“I just looked at him and thought, ‘oh wow, he's finding this really hard’, but he's so positive he doesn't let it show.
“He's just a machine, I've never seen anything like it. York to Sunderland, that's madness!”
'My legs are like lead': Greg powers through the hills
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:20 , Ekin KarasinGreg reacts to hitting £1.5m
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:00 , Ekin Karasin“No! 1.5 million! To celebrate, I'm going to lie down in this pub car park,” the radio host quipped.
“That is amazing, that is making all the pain and the heavy concrete legs worth moving.
“Thanks so much, 1.5 million is incredible. If that was the final total I'd be over the moon, but unfortunately for me, and fortunately for the adventure and story that everyone seems to be enjoying, I'm getting back on that bike.
“And I'll just keep going, because I've got to get to Sunderland today. That's today and we'll worry about the day after, the day after.”
New total update: £1,529,351
Wednesday 18 March 2026 12:40 , Ekin KarasinGreg left speechless by celebrity message
Wednesday 18 March 2026 12:15 , Ekin KarasinGreg's confession: 'This is a bit of a wake-up call'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 11:40 , Ekin Karasin“You've come to me at a time of a great hill. This is a bit of a wake up call. You're not done yet, boy,” James said in a message to fans on Wednesday morning.
“”Oswaldkirk is beautiful but my god is it hilly.
I got to day five yesterday and thought, 'I can do three more, can't I?!' But this is very, very steep and very, very long. My legs are incredibly heavy. And that's not me bragging. They feel like lead.
“One of the great things is people coming up and saying hello. But if you're going up a slow hill, they can actually have a conversation with you while they're walking.”
Greg gets sweet surprise from his best friend
Wednesday 18 March 2026 11:20 , Ekin KarasinChris Martin sends hilarious message of support
Wednesday 18 March 2026 11:00 , Ekin KarasinThe Coldplay frontman claimed he’d been trying to join James for a bike ride for weeks and couldn’t get through to him.
“Hi Greg, it's Chris here. I'm a bit confused. I'm with my BMX just outside Bristol,” he joked.
“You said to meet me for a bike ride. I've been waiting here for about three weeks. Where are you?
“What do you want me to do? I want to help you on your bike ride. But I'm in my shorts, I've run out of sandwiches. I might get the train back to America.
“Wherever you are, I love you and I send you so much goodwill. You must be quick on your bike because I can't seem to catch you.”
The gruelling route on day 6
Wednesday 18 March 2026 10:41 , Ekin KarasinGreg's emotional tribute to his dad as he sets off on day 6
Wednesday 18 March 2026 10:20 , Ekin KarasinJames requested Coldplay’s song Paradise be played on radio 1 in tribute to his father, who is recovering from a stroke.
The presenter is journeying from York to Sunderland on day six, covering a colossal 145km with a total elevation of 4559ft.
Before he set off, he asked for the iconic Coldplay track to be played.
"I started to cry there, in a nice way. I was doing up my little shoes and I got a message from my mum, who said: 'I'll tell dad later that you played it for him,’” he said on air.
"The exact memory was turning round and seeing him sway to this song, saying: 'I think this is my favourite one.'"
He then gave an update on his father’s condition.
"He knows this is happening. My mum said dad's fighting hard as well, so he's doing his own challenge this week,” he said.
“This is quite cool: He walked with a frame up the corridor yesterday, which is amazing. He'd love to be on a bike, so I'm gonna make the most of being on a bike. You don't know what life is gonna throw at you, do you?
"You're only a couple of bad bits away from your life completely going wrong. It can happen like that.”
Prince William joins Greg's tandem cycle
Wednesday 18 March 2026 09:58 , Ekin Karasin
The Prince of Wales made a surprise appearance alongside James for the charity bike cycle on Tuesday.
William joined the broadcaster in South Yorkshire, just north of Doncaster, hopping onto the tandem bike as James reached the halfway point of his 1,000km journey from Weymouth to Edinburgh.
The unexpected royal boost came after four demanding days in the saddle, with James having already covered nearly 500km.
The pair cycled together through the countryside as the future king offered encouragement — and extra pedal power — at a pivotal moment in the challenge.
Praising the effort, William said: “What you’ve done is set an example about helping out. It’s volunteering some of your time, putting yourself through a bit of pain and supporting others.
“It’s something we do very well in this country, but we don’t shout about it enough.
“This challenge helps everyone see that. It’s an amazing team effort. Huge well done, Greg.”
Go Greg!
Wednesday 18 March 2026 09:52 , Ekin Karasin
Good morning and welcome to our live blog on Greg James' epic 630-mile Comic Relief cycle challenge.
We will be bringing you all the highlights as the Radio 1 DJ rides a tandem bike 1,000 km through England, Wales and Scotland.
James is being joined by a host of special - and even royal - guests and will complete his endurance mission in Edinburgh on March 20.
