Two days after a terrorist attack in London left five dead and more than 50 injured, the BBC held its annual Red Nose Day telethon to raise money for five charities - immunization, mental health, domestic violence, education and the fight against malaria.
U.K. fans of "Love Actually" were finally treated to the much talked-about sequel made especially for Red Nose Day, but no one was prepared for what Hugh Grant, who played the dishy yet affable Prime Minister in the 2003 rom com, was serving up.
With his arm in a sling (the result of a one-man dance party to Drake's "Hotline Bling"), Grant took to the podium for a standard press conference. 17 years after he schooled the U.S. president (played perfectly by Billy Bob Thornton), Grant spoke candidly about the power of good. Though the film was shot prior to the Mar 22 attack, the fictional Prime Minster's words were exactly what real Britons need to hear.
"When you came to power the first time you were very optimistic. You said the power of good would finally win that love was actually all around. 14 years later, do you still feel as upbeat?" one reporter asked Grant.
Viewers braced for a cheesy response, but were instead reminded of the good samaritans who helped victims of Wednesday's attacks, whether through comfort or aid.
"Well, interesting obviously times have got harder and people are nervous and fearful. And it's not just in politics that things are tough, Usain Bolt has run his last Olympics, the Harry Potter films are finished, Piers Morgan is still alive. But let's look at the other side of the coin, Metallica's album is an absolute cracker and on a deeper level I'm optimistic wherever you see tragedy, you see bravery too. Wherever you see ordinary people in need, you see extraordinary people come to their aid.
"Today is Red Nose Day and people who are giving their hard earned cash to people they'll never meet, who's pain and fear they'll never feel and want to fight," Grant continued. "So it's not romantic love that is all round, most people still everyday, everywhere have enough love in their hearts to help human beings in trouble.
"Good's going to win, I'm actually sure of it."
U.S. viewers will have to wait until May 25 to see the short film, unless you like to live on the edge and watch it on the interwebs sooner.
Watch the Prime Minister's speech below at minute 14:13: