Henry to be the subject of BBC One's arts documentary

Sir Lenny Henry is to be the subject of a prestigious BBC One Imagine… documentary.

The comedian, who has just released his memoirs Who Am I Again?, has been interviewed by Alan Yentob for the show, which will air later this year.

In the film, Sir Lenny Henry will meet up with friends, family and colleagues to remember his sudden rise to fame aged 16 on TV talent show, New Faces.

It will also cover other early breakthrough roles on Tiswas and Three Of A Kind as well as five years as the only black performer in The Black & White Minstrel Show. 

Sir Lenny will also discus his recent career reinvention as a serious actor and as a political activist campaigning for greater diversity in the entertainment and broadcasting industry.

The BBC has also announced that poet Lemn Sissay is to be the subject of another of the arts documentaries.

Yentob said: ‘Lenny Henry and Lemn Sissay are two exceptional and original talents. They are also great storytellers. Here are two tales of the unexpected. 

‘Their recently published memoirs have received great acclaim and in imagine… they speak with remarkable candour in two truly revealing and inspiring encounters.’

Tanya Hudson, executive producer for BBC Studios, says: ‘Imagine… celebrates and explores the best in arts and culture both in the UK and internationally. 

‘As Lenny Henry’s first autobiography and Lemn Sissay’s memoir is published these revealing documentary portraits shine a new light on two of the best-loved and remarkable cultural figures of our generation.’

Published: 19 Oct 2019