The comedy legend is stepping down from hosting duties after nearly 40 years.
Sir Lenny Henry kicked off the 2024 Comic Relief telethon last night, for what could be the last time.
The 65-year-old entertainer kicked off the show with a touching message, which for many viewers was the first time they learned of his plans to step away from the spotlight.
Henry explained that he felt it was time to pass the baton to a new group of comedy stars to oversee the show.
The TV icon was also joined live on air by Davina McCall, David Tennent and Joel Dommet, who all took the opportunity to tell Henry, He is “irreplaceable” and will be greatly missed.
“Look, thank you,” he responded. “I don't make a fuss about it. It's an honor and a joy. It's about joy and money and comedy and compassion.”
Sir Lenny co-founded the annual comedy radio charity in 1985 with film producer Richard Curtis, initially hosting it with his ex-wife Dawn French Annual fundraiser.
“We were like a little gang,” he said recently on his former partner's podcast. “But for a few years I've been thinking, 'Where is the new gang?' “(Comic Relief) is a baton that will be passed to a new group of people who are going to take on Comic Relief.”
Since its launch in 1988, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5 billion in donations, which have benefited more than 100 million people.
Sir Lenny was left “speechless” during Friday's show when dozens of audience members revealed they were beneficiaries of Comic Relief over the years.
Later in the show, the Dudley-born comedian broke down in tears while watching some archival footage of his past trips to Africa to help people in need, before receiving the same messages from those he helped in the past as he does today. messages from people.
Aberash, from Ethiopia, was one of those who returned to the telethon to thank Sir Lenny for his work. Sir Lenny met her in 1995 when she was battling health problems caused by HIV and her young son was desperately trying to help her.
Abrash recalls Sir Lenny making bread for her son and delighted in reintroducing him to the star, a sign that he himself was now an adult.
Sir Lenny cried at the scene and said: “They are alive because everyone, mothers, taxi drivers, Boy Scouts, donated money.” When he saw Abrash and her son again, “I'm speechless, thank you so much for organizing this event,” he gasped.
News of his exit from the show sparked a wave of messages and tributes from fans on social media.
One woman wrote on Facebook: Well done Sir Lenny. Nothing would be the same without your red nose hosting. Yes, he's a great comedian. “
Another commented: “He's a really good comedian and actor too. Sad to see him host Comic Relief for the last time.”
Another said: “Funny for money and supporting #RedNoseDay2024 on @BBCOne. “A huge thank you and best of luck to Sir @LennyHenry who does wonders for the event and has helped raise hundreds over the years million to support children in need in the UK and around the world.”
It was announced at the end of last night's show that a whopping £38 million had been raised for the charity so far this year.
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