Lenny Henry was called “utterly irreplaceable” as he co-hosted his last Comic Relief – 39 years after co-founding the charity.
The comedian began his final stint on the annual Red Nose Day show by saying it had been an “honour and a joy” to be the face of the fund-raising broadcast.
Henry told viewers: “It is not about me – it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compassion.”
Co-host David Tennant thanked him for “an amazing tour of duty”.
Davina McCall said her fellow presenter would be “one hundred percent totally and utterly irreplaceable”.
Henry founded the charity behind the annual comedy broadcast with filmmaker Richard Curtis in 1985.
Since launching in 1988, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5bn from donations – money which has reached more than one hundred million people.
Henry was left “speechless” during Friday’s show when dozens of people in the audience revealed themselves to be beneficiaries of Comic Relief projects over the years.
He was also visibly emotional when his co-hosts surprised him with a video message from a woman he met in Ethiopia in 2005 who was being treated for tuberculosis and HIV.
Speaking to the audience at home, Henry said: “There are so many people living tough lives in incredibly difficult situations here in the UK and beyond…for the last 40 years we’ve made these films and you’ve watched them, and every single time you’ve come through.”
Image source, Comic Relief
Maya Jama and Legend from Gladiators made an appearance
Image source, PA Media
BBC series W1A returned for a sketch in which the cast search for Henry’s successor
Discussing his departure earlier this week, Henry said: “I think it needs new blood, and I’m definitely old blood. So it is time for change.”
The 65-year-old added: “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.”
This year’s cast of hosts includes Maya Jama, Paddy McGuinness and Romesh Ranganathan.
Friday’s highlights include a spoof movie adaptation of The Traitors, in which Vigil and Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones plays host Claudia Winkleman.
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey stars as winner Harry, with David Walliams playing fellow contestant Paul and Asim Chaudhry as Jaz.
Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge, darts sensation Luke Littler, financial expert Martin Lewis, pop group McFly and the Gladiators will also put in appearances during the three-hour show.
Comic Relief airs on BBC One tonight from 19:00 GMT until 22:00. You can watch it on iPlayer here.
