Sir Lenny Henry is to host Comic Relief for the last time when it airs on the BBC in March. After presenting the comedy telethon on and off for 39 years, he is stepping away to give opportunities to a wider range of talent.
“When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today,” said Henry. “I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered.
“As life president of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.”
Comic Relief’s 2024 Red Nose Day will be broadcast live from Salford on Friday 15 March. It will be preceded by a live comedy event to “celebrate and say thank you to Sir Lenny”. Comic Relief – Live at the London Palladium will take place on Monday 26 February, with performers including Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe.
“Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling,” said Henry. “But we also know that the British public are brilliant – you’re so kind and generous, if somebody has a problem, you always want to help out.
“Let’s make it one to remember and show that having a laugh can actually make a world of difference. Do something funny for money, join me at the London Palladium, wear your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you!”
This year’s Comic Relief launched last night with an online sketch featuring Henry calling numerous celebrities to ask them about their fundraising plans. Alison Hammond says she will be doing something “hunny for money” due to being “an iconic hun”, Simon Cowell suggests enduring the experience of listening to Amanda Holden perform cover songs, Joan Collins claims she’s going to do a sponsored skydive and Gemma Collins asks: “How did you get the GC’s number?”
Other contributors include Nick Grimshaw, Davina McCall, plus Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews.
“Red Nose Day is a special cause to me because I have such good memories of it,” said Nick Grimshaw. “I just loved watching it on the telly when I was a kid and I loved that feeling of everyone doing something together for the greater good.
“I liked the feeling of everyone at school being involved; everyone in your street being involved; everyone around the country all watching the same night of TV and donating.”
