W1A cast reunites after seven years to find Sir Lenny Henry’s replacement in Red Nose Day comedy special
The cast of parody comedy series W1A will reunite in a Red Nose Day skit in a bid to find Sir Lenny Henry’s replacement.
The show, which started in 2014 to poke fun at the BBC’s inner workings and last aired seven years ago, will return as part of Comic Relief’s appeal for money.
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville returns as the hapless Ian Fletcher, the fictional head of values at the BBC.
Spaced actress Jessica Hynes as Siobhan Sharpe, Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Monica Dolan as Tracey Pritchard and Fleabag actor Hugh Skinner as Will the intern, also make a comeback in the parody documentary.
The team will interview special guests including Olympian Sir Mo Farah, comedian and actor Tom Davis, Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley and Welsh singer Wynne Evans, to find the new Red Nose Day presenter in the comedy sketch.
The cast of parody comedy series W1A will reunite in a Red Nose Day skit in March in a bid to find Sir 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
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 beer 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.
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 showed up and saw the outfit, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this sketch and couldn’t wait to get into it.”
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 returns to play the hapless Ian Fletcher, the fictional head of values at the BBC
The sketch will see the team interview special guests including Olympian Sir Mo Farah, comedian and actor Tom Davis, Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley and Welsh singer Wynne Evans.
Last year Doctor Who star David Tennant (pictured left) hosted the charity fundraiser and showed a short sketch with Sir Lenny (pictured right)
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)
‘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, will return to the A-list 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.