Comic Relief made a major change last year after coming under fire for flying British celebrities out to Africa.
For many years, the charity would get actors, singers and comedians to visit African countries as part of their efforts to raise money.
But they were heavily criticised for sending 'white saviours' to the continent and accused of creating 'poverty porn' and perpetuating 'tired and unhelpful stereotypes' by Labour MP David Lammy.
Ed Sheeran ’s campaign video was branded this in 2017 after he was filmed paying for a young boy's housing in Liberia - was handed a "Rusty Radiator" award, given to the "most offensive and stereotypical fundraising video of the year".
While Stacey Dooley was at the centre of controversy in 2019 when she posted a photo of herself carrying a Ugandan child with the caption 'obsessed'.
Mr Lammy, who has been the MP for Tottenham since 2010, wrote on Twitter that Stacey was damaging Africa's reputation by reinforcing unhelpful stereotypes.
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"The world does not need any more white saviours. As I've said before, this just perpetuates tired and unhelpful stereotypes," he tweeted. "Let's instead promote voices from across the continent of Africa and have serious debate."
Mr Lammy said his issue was not personal with Stacey and that he did not question her "good motives", but had a problem with British celebs going to Africa to make films which send "a distorted image" of the continent.
The politician said it perpetuates "an old idea from the colonial era" and that "many black" Britons are "deeply uncomfortable" with Comic Relief's "poverty porn".
"Comic Relief has a huge platform and privilege and it is the first and major way children learn about Africa," he continued.
"If they only show Africans as helpless victims to be pitied, children miss the broader picture of huge progress in Africa.
"Comic Relief should be helping to establish an image of African people as equals to be respected rather than helpless victims to be pitied.
"It would therefore be better for people who actually live there to speak about the continent they know.
"Many black Brits feel deeply uncomfortable with Comic Relief's poverty porn. It's my job to represent their views however uncomfortable.
"They want their children to have rounded views about Africa and these types of campaign woefully fail to do that."
But Stacey disagreed and hit back on the politician on Twitter, then challenged him to fly to Africa to raise awareness for the charity.
She penned: "David, is the issue with me being white? (Genuine question) ...because if that's the case, you could always go over there and try raise awareness?
"Comic relief have raised over 1 billion pounds since they started. I saw projects that were saving lives with the money. Kids lives."
In October last year, Comic Relief confirmed they would no longer jet celebrities to Africa and would also stop using images of under nourished people and unwell children in footage.
Instead of flying British production teams to Africa, they decided to ask local film-makers to create their fund raising appeal films.
Sir Lenny Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief in 1985 with filmmaker Richard Curtis, praised the "huge move" and admitted that it will allow "young black and brown film-makers" to tell their stories.
The comedian told the BBC : "I think it's about time. And it's not to say that the films that have been made in the past weren't extraordinary and didn't have a huge effect.
"But it's time for young black and brown film-makers to take charge and say, 'I want to tell you my story'. There are other ways to elicit sympathy - and maybe we'd been pushing on the same button for too long."
Things haven't exactly gone to plan so far as two celebrities have been forced to pull out of hosting duties due to Covid.
First it was Masked Singer host Joel Dommett who announced he was stepping aside after testing positive - and confirmed he would be replaced by I'm A Celebrity star Vernon kay.
"Super annoyed to report that I have the vid. This unfortunately means I have to pull out of hosting @comicrelief," he wrote in a post on Instagram as he drew over a photograph of him in the hosting line-up.
"My incredible replacement is the better looking, more talented @vernonkay who is ace. I’ll be watching from home donating loads of money like everyone else!"
Confirming he was stepping in, Vernon wrote: "Covid has caught Captain Fantastic @joeldommett so I’m gonna be trying to fill his size 11.5shoes on Fridays @comicrelief Prizeathon with @ajodudu Get the Vits in Joel kick it’s ass and join in the fun from the sofa?(You could win a CAR!)"
Ironically, one of the people who wished Joel a speedy recovery was fellow co-host Zoe Ball, who herself has now been forced to withdraw from hosting duties.
The Radio 2 presenter told fans she was gutted to "fall at the last hurdle" following a positive lateral flow test this morning, which means Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon will now be doing a double shift.
Zoe wrote on Instagram : "Pook! fell at last hurdle and have had positive lat flows this am- noooooooo - gorgeous @aleshaofficial is going to work the double shift tonight on @ComicRelief, I owe you lady love.
"Good luck to Lenny, David, @mcguinness.paddy, @ajodudu, @vernonkay, and the @comicrelief gang, so many brilliant treats in store tonight."
Some of the other celebs confirmed to be hosting the Red Nose Day spectacular are Doctor Who star David Tennant, Strictly finalist AJ Odudu, Take Me Out's Paddy McGuiness and of course Comic Relief co-founder Lenny Henry.
Speaking ahead of the 19th edition, Lenny said they were aiming to bring another night of fun, famous faces and never-seen-before comedy sketches.
"Every year it feels like Red Nose Day comes round faster and faster – maybe that’s a sign I’m getting older. But it also feels like the need for an evening of laughter, and using its unique power to fundraise for people who urgently need our help, is more relevant than ever," he explained.
Lenny said it was the chance to come together to help local communities in the UK and people around the world, particularly during the current war in Ukraine.
"And here we are in 2022, seeing horrific images of war in Ukraine daily and witnessing people around the world fleeing conflict and persecution," he said.
Lenny added: "As well as the hilarious comedy and special sketches, our films will show you how, and who, all your generous donations have helped and where your money can most help going forward.
"I hope we can unite once again to enjoy the show, and if you can, donate. Your kindness and generosity really does have the power to change lives."
*Comic Relief starts tonight on BBC One at 7pm
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