Lenny Henry has revealed he is stepping down as host of the Comic Relief telethon after this 12 months’s particular.
The comedian, 65, who co-founded the charity alongside Richard Curtis, has co-hosted each single incarnation of the Pink Nostril Day particular since its inception as a charity in 1985, however has confirmed 2024 can be his final.
After 36 years on the helm, Lenny stated that he is determined it is time for brand spanking new names to take the presenter reins, whereas he continues to assist Comedian Reduction and Pink Nostril Day on different initiatives all year long.
He stated: ‘After we first began Comedian Reduction again in 1985, I by no means dreamed we might nonetheless be right here immediately. I assumed we might most likely do three exhibits and that might be it, however fast-forward almost 40 years, and that enthusiasm and willpower to step up and assist others has by no means wavered.
‘As Life President of Comedian Reduction, I am excited to see some new and acquainted faces come ahead now to current the massive evening and lead us into the subsequent chapter.’
Lenny Henry has revealed he is stepping down as host of the Comedian Reduction telethon after this 12 months’s particular
The comedian, 65, who co-founded the charity alongside Richard Curtis , has co-hosted each single incarnation of the Pink Nostril Day particular since its inception in 1985 (pictured in 1986)
‘Proper now, we all know there’s a cost-of-living disaster and persons are struggling, lots of people are struggling right here and around the globe.
‘However we additionally know that the British public are good – you are so type and beneficiant, if any person has an issue, you all the time need to assist out.
‘With out you, we could not do what we do. I might love nothing greater than when you joined me in getting concerned this 12 months.
‘Let’s make it one to recollect and present that having fun can really make a world of distinction.
‘Do one thing humorous for cash, be part of me at The London Palladium, put on your Pink Nostril with full and utter satisfaction – no matter you do, thanks! Let’s go!’
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content material Officer, stated: ‘Sir Lenny Henry has been the face of Comedian Reduction for almost 4 many years and I wish to personally thank him for his unimaginable contribution, the best way wherein he has entertained and inspired the nation on the BBC can’t be overstated.
‘Lenny’s dedication has been awe-inspiring, he has been instrumental to its enduring attraction and shone a lightweight on so many worthwhile causes utilizing the facility of comedy and laughter to lift thousands and thousands of kilos.
‘This 12 months’s Pink Nostril Day can be his final on display but it surely guarantees to be further particular as we take the chance to mark his exceptional achievements on the evening.’
Forward of this 12 months’s telethon, which takes place on Friday, March 15, Lenny has already drafted in a slew of movie star buddies for an internet sketch
Within the unique on-line sketch, Comedian Reduction co-founder, Lenny, picks up the cellphone to a few of his well-known buddies to learn how they will do their bit to lift cash
To have a good time and say thanks to Sir Lenny, among the nation’s favorite comedians will take to the stage for a wild and fantastic one-off night of dwell comedy, Comedian Reduction – Stay at The London Palladium, on Monday 26 February.
In homage to how Comedian Reduction started 39 years in the past, the evening of continuous laughter will see Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe unite with Sir Lenny to raise the roof and all-important money for Red Nose Day.
Lenny hosted the primary ever Pink Nostril Day telethon again in 1986, which raised a staggering £15 million.
Over 30 million individuals tune in to observe Blackadder – the Cavalier Years and the Younger Ones on College Problem.
Forward of this 12 months’s telethon, which takes place on Friday, March 15, Lenny has already drafted in a slew of movie star buddies for an internet sketch.
Davina McCall, Alison Hammond and Simon Cowell had been among the many stars Lenny had on pace dial to request their assist for the annual comedy fundraiser.
Lenny is first seen brainstorming on a whiteboard as he lists concepts resembling a bake sale, head shave, fancy costume and a One Direction reunion as potential choices for this 12 months’s occasion.
Roping in just a little assist from his buddies, Lenny dials TV presenter Alison’s quantity, who declares that she is able to be a ‘hun-ny for cash’, and has a great deal of concepts as a result of she is an ‘iconic hun’ – nevertheless it seems she has made a gaffe.
Lenny corrects her that the temporary is definitely to do one thing ‘humorous for cash’, as Alison, 48, admits she should have missed the memo.
In the meantime, Davina admits she ‘cannot preserve snogging individuals on the present’ to lift cash, however reveals she would make an exception for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Throughout his chat with Simon, the music mogul says: ‘I’ve received it! I’ll hearken to Amanda Holden’s covers album for per week, continuous.’
When Lenny queries: ‘What’s that received to do with elevating cash?’ , Simon quips: ‘Nicely, it’s undoubtedly one thing humorous.’
Different stars keen to get entangled embrace Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, who requested Lenny if he wished to affix his 24-hour singathon.
In the meantime, radio presenter Nick Grimshaw floated the concept of a sponsored silence whereas internet hosting his podcast, which acquired crickets as a response.
When he rang Gemma Collins, she was extra excited about discovering out how he had acquired her quantity, earlier than reluctantly providing to host a bake sale.
Performing royalty Dame Joan Collins goes to new heights for Pink Nostril Day by taking over a sponsored skydive.
The brand new sketch could be seen on YouTube and hopes to encourage individuals throughout the nation to do one thing humorous for cash this Pink Nostril Day and assist unfold pleasure.
Tickets for Comedian Reduction – Stay at The London Palladium can be found now from LW Theatres and Ticketmaster.
