- Written by Ian Youngs
- Entertainment/Arts Reporter
Sir Lenny Henry said it was “incredibly emotional” as he prepared to unveil the final Comic Relief and said he was “incredibly proud” of the results the fundraiser had achieved. .
The comedian co-founded the charity 39 years ago and Friday's Red Nose Day broadcast will be his final appearance as host.
“I think we need new blood, but I'm definitely old blood. So it's time for a change,” Sir Rennie, 65, told BBC News.
Co-hosts for this year's show, which will air on BBC One from 19:00 GMT, include Maya Jama, David Tennant and Davina McCall.
They will be joined by Romesh Ranganathan, Joel Dommett, Rosie Ramsey and Paddy McGuinness.
“This is a good time to part ways and allow a new generation to pick up the baton and move things forward little by little,” Sir Rennie explained.
Friday's highlights include a parody film adaptation of “Traitor,'' with “The Vigil'' and “Gentleman Jack'' star Suranne Jones playing host Claudia Winkleman.
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey stars as winner Harry, with David Walliams as fellow contestant Paul and Asim Chaudhry as Jazz.
Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, darts sensation Luke Littler, financial expert Martin Lewis and pop groups McFly and the Gladiators will also appear in the three-hour show.
The cast of BBC mockumentary W1A will appear again in a sketch to choose Sir Lenny's replacement.
Rounding out the top three is his 1986 performance as Romeo, the opponent of boxer Frank Bruno's Juliet. A 2016 sketch co-starring Idris Elba as Luther's younger brother. In 1991, she released a duet with pop singer Tom Jones.
“I loved working with Tom Jones. He kept saying, 'If you want to hit a high note, you've got to bite hard,'” Sir Rennie recalled. “And I did, and thank God we hit some high notes.”
Planning this year's event has given Sir Rennie “a lot of memories,” he said.
“McFly does a medley of all the great Comic Relief songs, including comedy duo Hale and Pace's 1991 novelty fundraiser song 'The Stonk,' but this one shouldn't be in there. I don’t think so.”
Over the years, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5 billion in donations, which has helped fight poverty and provide food, healthcare and safe housing to people in the UK and around the world.
“The funds that people have sent over and over again have helped over 100 million people. That's a lot of people,” Sir Rennie said. “And not many organizations can say that.”
He added, “If you could help with that, I appreciate it. And it's not just about numbers anymore. We know there's a struggle going on right now, so if you can help, we'd appreciate it.” It's about feeling able to give. People are going through difficult times,” he added. . ”
Sir Lenny will continue to be involved as Life Chairman of Comic Relief.
“This has been a huge part of my life and I would be extremely proud to see a new generation of people taking it forward – we have Maya Jama, David Tennant, Romesh – There is Ranganathan – there are so many people approaching.
“I'm emotional right now, but it's great to leave here knowing that a new group will take over and treat us the same way.”