15 March 2024 , 17:45
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The annual Comic Relief event is right around the corner with Sir Lenny Henry hosting for the final time before stepping down.
Sir Lenny, 65, is stepping down from hosting the annual gig this year after co-founding the charity with Love Actually director, Richard Curtis, in 1985. The star recently said it feels "great" to be hosting the event for one final time and explained how it will be "the best night of my life."
Like every year, the charity event will be chock-full of incredible live performances and one-off comedy specials from all our favourite stars. A number of celebrities will be banding together in a bid to raise money to help provide essential healthcare, safe shelter, provide food and tackle poverty in the UK and around the world.
With the annual event returning to our screens on Friday 15 March at 7pm on BBC One, here's everything you need to know...
Who is hosting?
Sir Lenny is hosting for the final time after many decades (Getty Images for Comic Relief)
Davina is one of the many guests on the night (PA)Sir Lenny will be going out with a bang as he hosts the event for one last time on Friday. The star will be joined by the likes of Joel Dommett, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness and more on stage. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Doctor Who icon David Tennant will also be taking part.
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Love Island host Maya Jama and presenter Rosie Ramsey will also be on hand to bring the laughs, tears and entertainment. Sir Lenny previously discussed his replacement. Throwing names into the hat regarding his replacement, Lenny lauded Doctor Who star, David, who hosted the show in 2019.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said: "I thought, well, actually, [David was] brilliant. And I think there are other people, newer people, who are coming up like Romesh Ranganathan, Alesha Dixon, AJ Odudu. There are new people coming up now who can absolutely take the reins."
Full Schedule
Hilarious comedians will be on hand on the night to provide the nation with creative and unique sketches. Radio star Alan Partridge is returning as a 'very special guest'. Icon Dawn French, who was previously married to Sir Lenny, and Jennifer Saunders will also be releasing their own Red Nose Day message.
The event broadcast will also include an audition process to find Sir Lenny's replacement. Fans will also witness a spoof of the popular reality series, The Traitors - featuring Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey and Suranne Jones as Claudia Winkleman. The spoof is called The Traitors: The Movie.
Just For One Day, the Live Aid Musical, will perform a special medley and The Gladiators and Luke Littler will be making appearances. At 10pm, the show goes on to BBC Two for more fun skits and guests in Comic Relief: More Funny for Money. It returns to BBC One at 10:40pm for a special tribute show for Sir Lenny.
* Comic Relief is on BBC One on March 15 from 7pm