COMIC Relief fans were very disappointed that an iconic host was missing from show this evening.
Some even pleaded “we need you” while others expressed how they wished this fan-favourite comedian was still part of the charity fundraising show still.
Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Alesha Dixon all hosted the show this year[/caption]
Joel, Jonathan and Davina were dressed in red attire as they introduced a moving segment[/caption]
But fans were furious over a missing host[/caption]
“Where’s Lenny Henry?” asked one person.
“Oh come back Lenny, we need you,” said another.
A third penned: “Couldn’t Lenny have just had one more year, then he could have retired tonight on the 40th anniversary instead of last year.”
While a fourth said: “Wish Lenny was still doing it!”
March 2024 saw Sir Lenny Henry host is final ever Comic Relief show.
Lenny had co-hosted Comic Relief for years after co-founding the charity 39 years before.
Sir Lenny told viewers a year ago: “It is not about me – it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compassion.”
But despite him bowing out 12 months ago, and this being the first year without him, fans were incredibly sad.
Although the sadness didn’t last long thanks to a huge surprise for the charity’s 40th anniversary.
This year, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Alesha Dixon all hosted the show.
After the show got underway, following performances from some 1980s legends, Davina introduced a special segment.
Davina introduced a segment about Sir Lenny, saying how he is “the man who hung up his hosting shoes last year, but will turn his back on the projects we support”.
Lenny Henry soon appeared on the show[/caption]
Fans were overjoyed[/caption]
Lenny then took an emotional look over his history on the show before saying: “Doing good never gets old.”
After Lenny’s appearance, fans were overjoyed, with one writing on X: “Welcome back, Lenny Henry!”
Another added: “Very touching piece from Lenny Henry there.”
“I LOVE YOU LENNY HENRY,” said a third.
During his final hosting of the show last year, Sir Lenny 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.”
He also said during his final show: “I think it needs new blood, and I’m definitely old blood. So it is time for change.
“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.”
Is Comic Relief the same as Red Nose Day?
COMIC Relief is a charity started by Richard Curtis and Jane Tewson in July 1985.
It was also co-founded by Peter Bennett-Jones and Sir Lenny Henry.
While Comic Relief is the name of the charity, Red Nose Day is the actual event where people and celebrities are encouraged to take part in fundraising events.
These include cake bakes, sporting challenges and wearing red clothes – and red noses – to school.
You can purchase a Red Nose or other merchandise from the Comic Relief website.
The very first Red Nose Day was in 1988 and raised £15million.
In 2023, £35,310,407 was raised, but the biggest amount was in 2011, which saw an incredible £108,436,277 donated.
