W1A’s Hugh Bonneville, Monica Dolan and Jessica Hynes join BBC stars to help find Lenny Henry’s Red Nose Day replacement in hilarious sketch
The cast of the parody comedy W1A has reunited for a Red Nose Day Sketch to search for Lenny Henry’s replacement.
Hugh Bonneville, Monica Dolan and Jessica Hynes appeared in a hilarious new clip on Wednesday.
The clip started off as a parody of W1A, with Hugh, who played Ian Fletcher, saying: “Operation Find the Next Lenny Henry is underway.”
Jessica, who played Siobhan Sharpe in the show, added: ‘Sir Lenny, we love him.’
Rustie Lee, Romesh Ranganathan, Mo Farah and Chensey Hawkes then all appeared on screen and exclaimed that they were ‘the next Lenny Henry’.
W1A Stars Jessicaa Hynes, Monica Dolan and Hugh Bonneville Reunite for a Red Nose Day Sketch to Search for Lenny Henry’s Replacement
Earlier this year, Sir Lenny revealed he is stepping down as host of the Comic Relief telethon after this year’s special
Monica, who played Tracey Pritchard, said: ‘I’m not being funny or anything but you better watch this Red Nose Day.’
Writer and presenter Emma Freud shared the clip on her Instagram, writing: ‘This year’s @rednoseday is Lenny’s last.
‘We had to find a replacement and these idiots helped us. Two more sleeps before @comicrelief lands on @bbcone for Lenny’s final show.’
Sir Lenny announced in January that he would be stepping down to become president of Comic Relief and see someone else step into his shoes.
The comedian and actor said: ‘How dare they replace me? Just kidding, I’m flattered that the incredible W1A team got back together to make this sketch a reality.
‘It’s hilarious and the guest stars are absolutely brilliant too.’
Last year Doctor Who star David Tennant hosted the charity fundraiser and showed a short sketch with Sir Lenny.
The W1A sketch also features ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, Children in Need bear Pudsey, BBC cartoon character Bluey, singer Chesney Hawkes and TV personality Rustie Lee.
In the sketch, Sir Lenny arrives ‘late to his meeting’ and meets some celebrities.
Rustie Lee and Romesh Ranganathan both appeared in the clip and declared themselves ‘the next Lenny Henry’
Chesney Hawkes also appeared and said he could be the “next Lenny Henry.”
W1A started in 2014 to poke fun at the BBC’s inner workings and will return as part of Comic Relief’s appeal for money
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville played the hapless Ian Fletcher, the fictional head of values at the BBC
A whole host of stars are set to present Comic Relief this year, including comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Love Island presenter Maya Jama and podcaster Rosie Ramsey (pictured)
Sir Mo said: ‘I’ve been watching Comic Relief for years and think it’s incredible. It’s all about laughter, but for a good cause.
‘I knew a little about the character, but when I came over and saw the outfit, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of this sketch and couldn’t wait to get into it.
‘I loved acting and the team made it very easy and fun for me. Who knows, this character could be Sir Lenny’s replacement.’
Sir Lenny, who co-founded the charity with Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis in 1985 and has presented the show for almost four decades, returns to the summit on March 15 to present the telethon.
The Masked Singer UK stars Joel Dommett and Davina McCall, former Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuiness, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Tennant, Love Island presenter Maya Jama and podcaster Rosie Ramsey are also among the 2024 presenters.
The full sketch will air as part of Red Nose Day on BBC One on March 15 from 7pm.