MOVING ON
Sir Lenny Henry retires from presenting Comic Relief after 39 years saying it’s ‘time to give someone else a go’
He will continue working with the charity in another capacity
SIR Lenny Henry is retiring from presenting Comic Relief after 39 years at the helm.
The Brummie legend announced he will step down from the role next year to allow other talent to "have a go".
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Actor and comedian Sir Lenny, 65, has hosted the telly fundraiser since 1985.
He said: "I have decided this will be the last time I host Comic Relief on the night.
"Only because I have been doing it since the 90s - and I think it is time for someone else to take the reins."
He confirmed he will continue as Honorary Life President of the charity - a role he has held since 2017.
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The TV star, who co-founded the Comic Relief with director Richard Curtis, added: "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."
This year's Red Nose Day broadcast will air on BBC One on Friday, March 15.
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Sir Lenny has been a mainstay of British TV for nearly 50 years.
The National Television Awards chose the star to receive their top gong, the Special Recognition Award, last year.
Previous winners include Sir Billy Connolly, Sir David Jason, Sir David Attenborough, Graham Norton, Joanna Lumley and Corrie legend Julie Goodyear, the first winner of the award in 1995.
Lenny made his name on Seventies talent show New Faces, then landed roles in era-defining shows including Tiswas and Three Of A Kind.
He went on to host his own comedy sketch series, and in 1985 he and Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis co- founded Comic Relief, which has raised more than £1billion, reflected in Lenny’s 2015 knighthood for services to drama and charity.
He has also been a pioneer for diversity and representation, most recently by starring in the big-budget Prime Video series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, as barely any black actors had previously been in high-profile fantasy blockbusters.
Donations to Comic Relief can be made to Red Nose Day online through their website.
A brand-new plant-based Red Nose range guaranteed to raise smiles as well as life changing money is available now with free one-day delivery for all customers on Amazon, the official home of the Red Nose.
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