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The cast of spoof comedy W1A reunite 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 released Wednesday.
The clip opened 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, Chensey Hawkes then all appeared on screen and proclaimed themselves to be ‘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.”
Author and TV personality 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 until @comicrelief lands at @bbcone for Lenny’s final show.’
Sir Lenny announced in January that he would be stepping down to become life 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 has come back together to make this skit happen.
‘It’s fun and the guest stars are also absolutely brilliant.’
Last year, Doctor Who star David Tennant hosted the charity fundraiser and performed a short sketch with Sir Lenny.
Also appearing in the W1A sketch are ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, Children in Need bear Pudsey, BBC cartoon character Bluey, singer Chesney Hawkes and TV personality Rustie Lee.
The sketch sees Sir Lenny arrive ‘late for his meeting’ and meet some of the celebrities.
Rustie Lee and Romesh Ranganathan both appeared in the clip and proclaimed themselves to be ‘the next Lenny Henry’
Chesney Hawkes also appeared and said he could be ‘the next Lenny Henry’
W1A started poking fun at the inner workings of the BBC in 2014 and will return as part of Comic Relief’s appeal for funds
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville played the hapless Ian Fletcher, the fictional head of value at the BBC
A host of stars are set to present this year’s Comic Relief, including comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Love Island host Maya Jama and podcaster Rosie Ramsey (pictured)
Sir Mo said: ‘I’ve been watching Comic Relief for many years and think it’s incredible. It’s about laughing, but for a good cause.
‘I knew little about the character but when I turned up and saw the outfit I knew straight away I wanted to be a part of this skit and couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
‘I loved acting and the team made it really easy and fun for me. Who knows, maybe this character could be Sir Lenny’s replacement.’
Sir Lenny, who co-founded the charity in 1985 with Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis and has hosted the show for almost four decades, will return to the top on March 15 to present the telethon.
The Masked Singer UK stars Joel Dommett and Davina McCall, former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuiness, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Tennant, Love Island host Maya Jama and podcaster Rosie Ramsey are also among 2024’s hosts.
The full skit will be broadcast as part of Red Nose Day on BBC One on March 15 from