'It's amazing to design this year's Red Noses'

Red Nose Day has launched its first-ever customisable noses for Comic Relief, and a Kent artist is behind the design.

Mr Doodle, whose real name is Sam Cox, rose to fame after he covered every inch of his Tenterden home with doodle art.

His intricate illustrations, which he dubbed "spaghetti graffiti", became world famous after he shared videos of his artwork on social media and garnered millions of views.

The illustrator is encouraging people to "get creative" with this year's "Design-Yer Nose". The collection includes two noses featuring Mr Doodle's distinctive artwork, a classic Red Nose, and two noses each with a blank canvass.

Mr Doodle told BBC Radio Kent that being part of this year's Comic Relief was "amazing" as he "always had fond memories of Red Nose Day".

"When I was growing up, I watched Comic Relief with my friends, and it always happens to be near my birthday," he recalled.

"So being asked to do this year's collection of noses has been really fun."

Mr Doodle said the artwork "came to his mind" while he was designing the items.

"I think art is not about who makes the coolest drawing, it's about having a go and having fun," he added.

Mr Doodle said the doodled noses were for people to "make the best possible artwork".

The artist said he "looked forward" to seeing all the different ways people get creative with their own Design-Yer noses.

Other celebrities who are launching this year's Red Nose Day, which takes place on 20 March, include Ellie Taylor, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Iain Stirling, Jodie Whittaker, Joe Lycett and Natalie Cassidy.

In 2020, Mr Doodle was the world's fifth most successful artist aged under 40 at auction.

His story began when he started doodling on his parents furniture.

The illustrator said he has loved drawing since he was a child, and video games and cartoons inspired him to draw his characters.

In 2024, Mr Doodle created the "world's first doodle train" as part of Kent & East Sussex Railway's 50th anniversary.

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