Comic Relief also announces big stand-up benefit and releases a new video

Sir Lenny Henry is to step down from hosting the Red Nose Day telethon after 39 years.

The Comic Relief founder says he wants to make way for fresh talent after this year’s show, which will air live from Salford on Friday March 15.

He said: ‘When we  first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today. 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.’

A video has been launched today to launch this year’s campaign, co-starring Rosie Jones alongside the likes of Alex Jones, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Simon Cowell and Dame Joan Collins.

And it has been announced that Sir Lenny will host a live comedy fundraiser at the London Palladium on February 26 featuring Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe. Tickets are available here.

 Jones, below, said: ‘Supporting Red Nose Day is so important  to me because it does so many great things for people all around the world, it brings people together and I’m proud to be a part of it.’

Over the past four decades, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5billion for good causes.  

Sir Lenny said: ‘Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling here and around the world. 

‘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. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. I’d love nothing more than if you joined me in getting involved this year.’

Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, paid tribute to Sir Lenny’s work with Comic Relief, saying: ‘I would like to personally thank him for his incredible contribution, the way in which he has entertained and inspired the nation on the BBC cannot be overstated. 

‘Lenny’s commitment  has been awe-inspiring, he has been instrumental to its enduring appeal and shone a light on so many worthwhile causes using the power of comedy and laughter to raise millions of pounds. 

‘This year’s Red Nose Day will be his last on screen but it promises to  be extra special as we take the opportunity to mark his remarkable achievements on the night.’

This year’s plant-pased Red Nose – as modelled by Jayde Adams, below – is available from Amazon and comes in four different designs A T-shirt and sweatshirt collection is also available from TK Maxx. 

And a new children book in the Little People, Big Dreams range of illustrated biographies is being published next week about Sir Lenny, from his early use of comedy at school to his co-founding of Comic Relief. Fifty pence from each book sold will be donated to Comic Relief, and it’s available here.

Find out how you can get involved in Red Nose Day at www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday.

Published: 31 Jan 2024