Comedian and co-founder lenny henry will deliver a powerful Red Nose Day message and call to action in an exclusive film opening the Comic Relief special. The segment will air live from MediaCityUK in Salford at 7: 00 p. m. ET on Friday, March 20, and for the first time the broadcast will be live-streamed simultaneously. Organisers say the appeal is an urgent rally for donations and fundraising to help people access food, shelter and safety.
Lenny Henry to open the fundraiser with a direct call to the public
lenny henry, who co-founded Comic Relief in 1985, appears in an exclusive film described by organisers as a “powerful Red Nose Day message and call to action” that will open the evening. The return of lenny henry follows his decision to step down from regular presenting duties in 2024 after a long association with the charity. In a social post lenny henry joked: “You thought you saw the last of me, ey? Well, I’m back with a very important message. What do you think I’m going to tell you now?” The opening film is being promoted as unmissable and the organisers say the money raised could help people access food, shelter and safety. The night’s line-up includes Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed and Joel Dommett, with a return appearance from Catherine Tate as Nan and a mix of sketches designed to drive donations. Audiences will see the opening film featuring lenny henry as the night’s central call to action.
Immediate reactions
Sir Lenny Henry, Comic Relief co-founder, framed the segment as a direct appeal to the public: “You thought you saw the last of me, ey? Well, I’m back with a very important message. ” Davina McCall, overseeing the fundraising night, highlighted sketches and teased highlights, saying: “Idris Elba will be reprising his role as DCI John Luther alongside a starry line-up in the Bank Job sketch. ” Reaction on social platforms has been swift, with supporters noting the return of lenny henry as a prompt to donate and to Take Yourself Funny for Money.
Quick context
lenny henry co-founded Comic Relief in 1985 and has been publicly associated with the charity since then. After 39 years he chose to step back from regular presenting duties in 2024 to allow new hosts to lead future editions.
What’s next
The immediate priority is converting the night’s viewers into donations and fundraising across the campaign; organisers will publish highlights and results in the period after the broadcast. If the return of lenny henry prompts the expected response, organisers say follow-up fundraising pushes and new participation drives are likely in the days after the programme airs at 7: 00 p. m. ET on Friday, March 20. Campaign teams will measure the impact of the film featuring lenny henry on fundraising behaviour as totals and reactions are recorded.
