Lenny Henry is to present his final Comic Relief this year.
The comedian co-founded the charity with fabled director Richard Curtis in 1985 and has since hosted multiple BBC telethons and been involved closely with the organization.
He said it was time to see “new faces” at the helm but remains life president of Comic Relief – a telethon called Red Nose Day that takes place annually and features comedians, singers and actors trying to raise money for various charities.
“When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today,” said Henry, an actor, comedian and creative who recently launched a Banijay-backed indie, Esmerelda Productions. Recent acting credits include The Witcher and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, while he created ITV drama Three Little Birds.
“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,” Henry added.
“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.”
This year’s Red Nose Day will take place on March 15 but include a comedy night at the London Palladium on February 26. Alongside Henry, Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe will appear.