Sir Lenny Henry co-hosted his last Comic Relief Red Nose Day star-studded extravaganza - 39 years after co-founding the charity.

The comedian, actor and ‘super-philanthropist’ began his final stint on the annual Red Nose Day show by saying that he was "honoured" to be the face of the fund-raising broadcast. He told viewers: "It is not about me - it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compassion."

During an evening full of tributes to Sir Lenny, co-host David Tennant thanked him for what he described as being "an amazing tour of duty".

Another co-host, Davina McCall, described him as being "one hundred percent totally and utterly irreplaceable." Henry founded the charity behind the annual comedy broadcast with filmmaker Richard Curtis in 1985.

Since launching in 1988, Comic Relief has raised more than £1.5bn from donations - money which has reached more than one hundred million people. Sir Lenny was left "speechless" during Friday's show when dozens of people in the audience revealed themselves to be beneficiaries of Comic Relief projects over the years.

The Dudley-born superstar, who is also Chancellor of Birmingham City University, was also visibly emotional when his co-hosts surprised him with a video message from a woman who he met in Ethiopia in 2005 who was being treated for tuberculosis and HIV. Speaking to the audience at home, Henry said: "There are so many people living tough lives in incredibly difficult situations here in the UK and beyond… for the last 40 years we've made these films, and you've watched them, and every single time you've come through."

Discussing his departure earlier this week, Henry, 65, said: "I think it needs new blood, and I'm definitely old blood. So, it is time for change.

"This is a good time to part ways and to allow a new generation to take the baton and move the whole thing on a bit," he added. This year's cast of hosts includes Maya Jama, Paddy McGuinness and Romesh Ranganathan.

Yesterday's highlights include a spoof movie adaptation of The Traitors, in which Vigil and Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones plays host Claudia Winkleman. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey stars as winner Harry, with David Walliams playing fellow contestant Paul and Asim Chaudhry as Jaz.

Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, darts sensation Luke Littler, financial expert Martin Lewis, pop group McFly and the Gladiators will also put in appearances during the three-hour show. Donations from the 2024 show raise nearly £40million (£38,631,548) to date.