IN THE NOSE
Why has Lenny Henry quit Comic Relief? Reason why presenter is quitting Red Nose Day after 39 years
Sir Lenny will continue working with with the charity but in another capacity
IT'S HARD to imagine Comic Relief without Sir Lenny Henry.
But sadly, all good things must come to an end and the Red Nose Day legend has quit the live show.
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Why has Lenny Henry quit Comic Relief?
In January 2024, Sir Lenny Henry revealed he was stepping down from hosting Comic Relief after 39 years at the helm.
The Brummie legend said he wanted to allow other talent to "have a go".
Actor and comedian Sir Lenny has hosted the telly fundraiser since 1985.
In a statement he said: "I have decided this will be the last time I host Comic Relief on the night.
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"Only because I have been doing it since the 90s - and I think it is time for someone else to take the reins."
Lenny confirmed he will continue as Honorary Life President of Comic Relief - a role he has held since 2017.
Tonight's Red Nose Day telethon (March 15, 2024) will be his last.
Speaking ahead of his last show, and Lenny told BBC News: "I think it needs new blood, and I'm definitely old blood. So it's time for change.
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"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."
Did Lenny Henry start Comic Relief?
Sir Lenny co-founded Comic Relief with Love Actually director Richard Curtis in 1985.
It was meant to be just a one-off telethon, but it was so popular they brought it back every year and Red Nose Day was born.
Lenny Henry, 62, stuns fans with young looks on Comic Relief 2021
Now the charity's work goes on all year around helping people struggling with poverty both in the UK and across the globe.
Speaking to the BBC about Comic Relief's journey, Richard told the BBC: "When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we'd still be here today.
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.
Richard Curtis
"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."
Who will host Red Nose Day now?
Lenny's replacement is yet to be revealed.
However, he is usually joined on the night by co-hosts like Davina McCall, David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness and Maya Jama, so one of them may step into the main host role.
Speaking about who could replace Lenny, Richard Curtis told the BBC: "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."
Why is it called Red Nose Day?
The Comic Relief fundraising day is named Red Nose Day, as people are encouraged to buy silly red noses in aid of the charity.
People can also hold events to raise much-needed cash, like bake sales or non-uniform days in schools.
The whole point of the day is to have some fun, while getting people to donate to Comic Relief.
Over the years people have got sponsorship for anything from bathing in a bath full of baked beans to dressing up in fancy dress to work.
How much money has Comic Relief raised?
Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5bn over the years.
The money goes towards helping to tackle poverty, provide food, healthcare and safe shelter for people in the UK and around the world.
Speaking to BBC News, Sir Lenny said: "The money that people have sent in repeatedly, every single time, has helped over 100 million people. That's a lot of people.
"And there aren't many organisations that can say that."
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He added: "If you've helped to do that, thank you. And it's not about numbers any more.
"It's about what you feel you can give because we know that there's a struggle going on at the moment. People are having hard times."
Red Nose Day 2024 essential guide
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Comic Relief telethon:
- How to donate to Comic Relief and watch the big event.
- A look at the Red Nose Day 2024 theme and where to buy a red nose.
- The difference between Red Nose Day and Comic Relief.
- Follow Mollie King's Comic Relief bike ride challenge and how to pledge money.
- Take a look at the life of Comic Relief legend Lenny Henry.
- Full list of Comic Relief hosts - from David Tennant to Maya Jama.
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