Sir Lenny Henry will host Comic Relief for the last time in the spring when Red Nose Day returns.
The 65-year-old comedian and co-founder of the charity said after almost 40 years as a presenter, it was time for “new faces”.
“When we started Comic Relief in 1985, I never dreamt we would still be here today,” said Sir Lenny. “I thought we would probably do three shows and that would be it, but nearly 40 years later that enthusiasm and determination to help others has never waned.”
“As Life President of Comic Relief, I am delighted to see some new and familiar faces now hosting the big night and leading us into the next chapter.”
He gave a separate interview to the Standard about his groundbreaking move and talked about his possible successors as presenter.
Actors Jonathan Bailey and Dame Joan Collins, and television personalities Gemma Collins, Davina McCall and Alison Hammond will star in a brand new Comic Relief sketch on Red Nose Day 2024.
In 2023, Red Nose Day raised an incredible £35.3 million.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the charity event.
What is Red Nose Day?
Red Nose Day is the culmination of Comic Relief, the British charity founded by comedy screenwriter Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny in 1985. Comic Relief aims to combat poverty and social injustice both in the UK and around the world by raising funds through humour and entertainment.
Many people, schools, workplaces and communities across the UK take part in various fundraising activities on Red Nose Day. These include themed events, competitions and charity concerts, as well as televised comedy shows.
The sale of small red plastic noses is a special feature of Red Nose Day. The money raised supports numerous charitable projects, including poverty alleviation, education and healthcare projects in the UK and around the world.
The first Red Nose Day in 1988 raised a whopping £15 million for Comic Relief.
More than 30 million people watched the Blackadder the Cavalier Years and Young Ones on University Challenge event, televised on BBC One.
Many celebrities, such as comedy greats Dawn French, Kathy Burke, Catherine Tate and Jennifer Saunders, have participated in hilarious parodies over the decades.
Johnny Depp, Alan Partridge, the Spice Girls and Sir Elton John have also appeared, helping to raise millions of pounds for charities including Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Children in Need, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, Coram, The Children’s Society, Catch22 and Porchlight.
When is Red Nose Day 2024?
Red Nose Day 2024 will take place on Friday, March 15th.
BBC One will broadcast a special show this evening with numerous stars, live music, exclusive prizes, comedy and much more.
Before that, Comic Relief – Live will take place at the London Palladium on Monday 26 February. Comedians including Aisling Bea, Joel Dommett, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Rosie Jones, Sara Pascoe and Mawaan Rizwan will be taking part.
Where can you buy noses for Red Nose Day 2024?
The red nose has been given a new look for 2024. Comic Relief has designed four new red noses to collect and the rare limited edition “Golden Nose” is also back.
The noses are all made of plant-based materials and can be recycled at home.
They are on offer at Comic Relief and Amazon. If you are in a hurry to buy one, Amazon offers next day delivery.
Famous faces have already donned their charity noses, including comedian and actress Jayde Adams and actor Tommy Jessop.
“In my experience, laughter is always the best way to achieve anything in life, in good times and bad, and it’s the only way to motivate people. And it’s great to be part of the Red Nose Day crew again,” said Adams.
For more information about Red Nose Day 2024, visit the official website here.
