After nearly four decades as part of the annual charity telecast, British TV legend and comedian Sir Lenny Henry has revealed he will be stepping down as the host of Comic Relief.
Lenny Henry is a household name across the UK and has been the lead host of Comic Relief ever since he co-founded the treasured non-profit organisation with fellow comedy writer Richard Curtis back in 1985, but has now confirmed this year’s broadcast will be his last.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, the 63-year-old confirmed that 2024’s Red Nose Day programme due to air on Friday, 15 March will be his final outing, insisting that it’s now “time to hand on to the new generation” and for “new faces” to champion the annual campaign.
Sir Lenny co-hosted the inaugural Comic Relief show back in 1988, raising £15m in just eight hours of TV comedy. Since then donations have surpassed £1.5bn, with money raised each year helping to tackle poverty, providing food, healthcare and safe shelter for people in the UK and globally. Amazing.
Speaking in a statement, Henry said of Comic Relief’s journey: “I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered.
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“As life president of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.”
He went on to say, “There’s all these new, wonderful comedians with podcasts and nine million followers, and those guys or women should be hosting Comic Relief now so that the young people and the new influx of viewers can plug into the next stage… because there will be a next stage, and because we want to continue tackling issues of poverty and injustice.
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Well said, and as Red Nose Day and Comic Relief continue to generate more and more vital funds year after year, it’s clear that the national love for this televised fundraiser hasn’t gone anywhere.
Here’s Lenny Henry’s much-loved sketch and penultimate turn as Comic Relief host from last year.
Noting that he’s only ever had “one night off” since the first-ever telecast, he’s been at the heart and soul of the event and the campaigning surrounding Red Nose Day itself from the beginning.
As well as the last 12 months of fundraising, this year’s events will include a comedy night at the London Palladium on 26 February ahead of the annual TV broadcast.
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Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe are all set to appear alongside Sir Lenny as he bows after 39 wonderful years.
A truly incredible legacy that he should be immensely proud of. Thanks for everything, Lenny.
Tributes paid to former Manchester City winger Ian Mellor, dead at 74
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring following the death of former Manchester City star, Ian Mellor, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Mellor, from Sale in Greater Manchester, played as a left winger for Man City as well as the likes of Norwich City, Brighton, Chester, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford.
With his family and former club confirming the death on Wednesday, 1 May, social media has been awash with people paying their respects to the seasoned ex-pro who sadly died following a long battle with amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease which affects organs such as the heart, brains and kidneys.
Replying to his son and ex-Liverpool turned Sky Sports broadcaster, Neil Mellor, the club paid their respects to the former Blue who made 50 appearances for the club.
We're saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Ian Mellor.
Mellor began his career just down the road at Wythenshawe Amateurs before going on to represent City from 1970 to 1973.
A boyhood fan of the club, he scored 10 goals whilst wearing Sky Blue and also went on to win the Charity Shield with them back in 1972.
Eventually nicknamed ‘Spider’ for a good chunk of his career due to his long-legged stature, he remained attached to the beautiful game for years after his retirement and went on to become a committee member for the Former Players Association at City.
Joining the likes of all his former clubs, Chester City said: “Everyone at [the club] is saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Mellor. Sending all our love to you and your family, Neil Mellor.
His son Neil’s goodbye has touched many online too, calling his dad his “hero” and his “everything”.
He also went on to thank locally-based end-of-life care organisation and charity, St Ann’s Hospice, who have facilities all over Greater Manchester and who helped care for Ian in his final days.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family as well as those whose lives he touched through football during this difficult time.
Featured Images — Manchester City/Neil Mellor (via X)
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Public warned not to approach wanted man last spotted in Piccadilly Gardens
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal to trace a wanted man who absconded during a visit from a secure unit.
The public are being warned not to approach Shaun Paul Smith, who also goes by the name Aemon Martin.
A confirmed sighting of the 60-year-old at a Tesco Express on Piccadilly Gardens was caught on CCTV at 8.30am yesterday morning (30 April).
GMP is now assisting with Lancashire Police’s appeal after enquiries traced him to Manchester city centre.
Smith absconding during a visit to Preston on Thursday 25 April and was caught on CCTV on Bank Street in Rawtenstall the following day.
Shaun is described as white, with grey hair, a slim build, a beard and moustache.
He was last seen wearing a hat, cream jeans, grey/red t-shirt, grey cardigan, black coat, black trainers and a backpack.
The public have been warned not to approach Shaun Paul Smith. Credit: GMP
CCTV images and a photo of Smith’s face have also been released by police as part of the appeal to trace him.
But if spotted, the public are urged ‘do not approach him’ and instead report sightings urgently to the police.
Smith has links to Blackburn and Accrington town centres, but is believed to be in the City Centre area of Manchester.
GMP said: “We’re asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings to us and if you see him, please do not approach him but contact us on 999 quoting Log 1118 of 30/4/2024.”
Danny Jones -
31st January 2024 
