Lenny's last laugh

Five reasons to be excited for Comic Relief this week as Sir Lenny Henry prepares to host his final fundraiser

Comic Relief returns for more fun and fundraising this week as Sir Lenny Henry hosts his last-ever Red Nose Day extravaganza after presenting the comedy telethon on and off since 1988. He’ll be overseeing proceedings live from Media City UK in Salford alongside a host of stars – Joel Dommett, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Romesh Ranganathan, David Tennant, Maya Jama and Rosie Ramsey.

Here, we reveal the highlights from this week…

1 LENNY’S FINAL HURRAH

Some 39 years after he founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, it’s Lenny Henry’s final stint as the host of the Red Nose Day extravaganza and it’s set to be a bittersweet night for the comedian and actor.

‘I love Comic Relief and I will still be involved in its projects but it’s time to hand over the reins,’ says Henry, 65. ‘It will probably be the best night of my life because it’s my last year hosting and there’ll be loads of special surprises, plus all appeal films. Comic Relief is there to help people in the UK and around the world and we’re not going to stop.’

Meanwhile, in a tribute show, Comic Relief: A Whole Lotta Lenny (Friday, 10.40pm, BBC1), Alex Jones celebrates Henry’s work for the charity and looks back at his best moments.