A former Hitchin Girls’ School pupil whose bestselling book about her childhood in Stevenage is about to become a TV drama is getting set for her biggest charity challenge yet – a marathon 27 hours non-stop on stage raising money for this year’s Red Nose Day.

The Comet: Emma Kennedy is ready for her marathon Red Nose fundraiser!Emma Kennedy is ready for her marathon Red Nose fundraiser! (Image: Archant)

Emma Kennedy, who is a former Celebrity Masterchef winner as well as a seasoned comedy performer and writer, is looking to top the £500,000 she and others raised for the last Comic Relief appeal.

She spent 25 hours on stage in 2013 – and two years later two more hours are being added on to the agonising experience.

Speaking to the Comet, Emma said: “I did 25 hours last time which was bad enough.

“But this year I’m aiming to be on stage for 27 hours. When you come up with ideas you think you can do anything, but it was awful.

“When the clock got to 25 hours everyone just left immediately – including the audience.

“It was truly depraved. You’re on stage the whole time. You’re not even allowed off for ‘comfort breaks’.

“Jennifer Saunders donated £1,000 for me to wee into a bucket in front of the 250 strong audience.

“Later on comedian Rufus Hound actually broke 24 eggs with a mallet strapped to his penis – if the money is sufficient we will do anything to raise money for such a good cause.

“This year we’ve got a few trophies onstage including Matthew Pinsent’s Olympic gold medal, and Emma Thompson’s Oscar.

“We’ll also have my Masterchef trophy – so even if you’re not in the audience you can still come along and donate what you can to have your picture taken with the trophies.”

One star name signed up is Gillian Anderson, who first found fame on TV’s The X Files but is now best known to British TV audiences as the troubled detective at the heart of Belfast-set serial killer drama The Fall.

Emma said: “We’re thinking of doing a 50 Shades of Grey style-strip if the money’s right.”

You can sponsor Emma’s efforts by keying in her name on the www.rednoseday.com website.