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Red Nose Day: 'Irreplaceable' Lenny Henry hosts his last Comic Relief Red Nose Day: 'Irreplaceable' Sir Lenny Henry hosts his last Comic Relief
(about 1 hour later)
Lenny Henry was called "utterly irreplaceable" as he co-hosted his last Comic Relief - 39 years after co-founding the charity. WATCH: Len is Ken! Lenny Henry's Comic Relief Barbie ballad
The comedian began his final stint on the annual Red Nose Day show by saying it had been an "honour and a joy" to be the face of the fund-raising broadcast. WATCH: Len is Ken! Lenny Henry's Comic Relief Barbie ballad
Henry told viewers: "It is not about me - it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compassion." Sir Lenny Henry has been hailed as "utterly irreplaceable" after co-hosting Comic Relief for the last time - 39 years after co-founding the charity.
Donations saw the 2024 show raise £38,631,548 so far. The comedian said it had been an "honour and a joy" to be the face of the annual Red Nose Day show.
During an evening full of tributes to Henry, co-host David Tennant thanked him for "an amazing tour of duty". Sir Lenny told viewers: "It is not about me - it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compassion."
He announced £37,019,832 had been raised so far during this year's event.
During an evening full of tributes to Sir Lenny, co-host David Tennant thanked him for "an amazing tour of duty".
Davina McCall said her fellow presenter would be "one hundred percent totally and utterly irreplaceable".Davina McCall said her fellow presenter would be "one hundred percent totally and utterly irreplaceable".
Henry founded the charity behind the annual comedy broadcast with filmmaker Richard Curtis in 1985. Sir Lenny founded the charity behind the annual comedy broadcast with filmmaker Richard Curtis in 1985.
Since launching in 1988, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5bn from donations - money which has reached more than one hundred million people.Since launching in 1988, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5bn from donations - money which has reached more than one hundred million people.
Henry was left "speechless" during Friday's show when dozens of people in the audience revealed themselves to be beneficiaries of Comic Relief projects over the years. Sir Lenny was left "speechless" during Friday's show when dozens of people in the audience revealed themselves to be beneficiaries of Comic Relief projects over the years.
He was also visibly emotional when his co-hosts surprised him with a video message from a woman he met in Ethiopia in 2005 who was being treated for tuberculosis and HIV.He was also visibly emotional when his co-hosts surprised him with a video message from a woman he met in Ethiopia in 2005 who was being treated for tuberculosis and HIV.
Speaking to the audience at home, Henry said: "There are so many people living tough lives in incredibly difficult situations here in the UK and beyond… for the last 40 years we've made these films and you've watched them, and every single time you've come through." Speaking to the TV audience at home, Sir Lenny said: "There are so many people living tough lives in incredibly difficult situations here in the UK and beyond… for the last 40 years we've made these films and you've watched them, and every single time you've come through."
Maya Jama and Legend from Gladiators made an appearanceMaya Jama and Legend from Gladiators made an appearance
BBC series W1A returned for a sketch in which the cast search for Henry's successorBBC series W1A returned for a sketch in which the cast search for Henry's successor
Discussing his departure earlier this week, Henry said: "I think it needs new blood, and I'm definitely old blood. So it is time for change." Discussing his departure earlier this week, Sir Lenny said: "I think it needs new blood, and I'm definitely old blood. So it is time for change."
The 65-year-old added: "This is a good time to part ways and to allow a new generation to take the baton and move the whole thing on a bit."The 65-year-old added: "This is a good time to part ways and to allow a new generation to take the baton and move the whole thing on a bit."
In a pre-recorded music video featured earlier during the show, Henry transformed himself into Barbie's Ken. In a pre-recorded music video featured earlier during the show, Sir Lenny transformed himself into Barbie's Ken.
WATCH: Len is Ken! Lenny Henry's Comic Relief Barbie ballad This year's cast of hosts included Maya Jama, Paddy McGuinness and Romesh Ranganathan.
WATCH: Len is Ken! Lenny Henry's Comic Relief Barbie ballad Friday's highlights included a spoof movie adaptation of The Traitors, in which Vigil and Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones played host Claudia Winkleman.
This year's cast of hosts includes Maya Jama, Paddy McGuinness and Romesh Ranganathan. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey starred as winner Harry, with David Walliams playing fellow contestant Paul and Asim Chaudhry as Jaz.
Friday's highlights include a spoof movie adaptation of The Traitors, in which Vigil and Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones plays host Claudia Winkleman. Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, darts sensation Luke Littler, financial expert Martin Lewis, pop group McFly and the Gladiators also put in appearances during the three-hour show.
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey stars as winner Harry, with David Walliams playing fellow contestant Paul and Asim Chaudhry as Jaz. You can watch the full extravaganza on iPlayer here.
Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, darts sensation Luke Littler, financial expert Martin Lewis, pop group McFly and the Gladiators will also put in appearances during the three-hour show.
You can watch it on iPlayer here.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Lenny HenryLenny Henry
Red Nose DayRed Nose Day
Comic ReliefComic Relief