As Comic Relief returned for its 40th year, viewers were pleased to see a familiar face as Sir Lenny Henry made an unexpected appearance. Lenny Henry was the brains behind Comic Relief alongside writer Richard Curtis. Every year, Comic Relief aims to raise money and support those at risk of domestic abuse and families affected by conflict and climate change. However, last year Lenny made the decision to step down from the televised fundraiser as he thought it was time to let new people take the reins. He said at the time: "I'm a life president for the charity and I'm still going to be supporting other Comic Relief and Red Nose Day projects throughout the year, like recruiting new talent, doing voiceovers etc. So I'll still be around, just not onscreen." Lenny added: "I think it is time to hand over the reins because there is an extraordinary new generation of talent and we need to give these people and their audiences access to what Comic Relief can do and how we can raise money together." This year, Jonathan Ross, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Rylan, Joel Dommett and Alisha Dixon stepped up to the plate as they headed over to Salford to reach their new target for this year's Comic Relief fundraiser. Jonathan who has hosted alongside Lenny in the past, said: "I presented the first few years alongside Sir Lenny Henry and Griff Rhys Jones, and it was incredibly exciting to be involved. "Over the years, I've stayed on the periphery, stepping in whenever asked. When they invited me back, it felt like a great way to commemorate the very first show." After the show kicked off with a mashup of hits from the 1980s, the presenters sent their well wishes to Lenny and showed a video of him talking about Comic Relief. On the video he shared: "I can't believe Comic Relief is turning the big 4-0. In some ways it feels like 1985 was yesterday... A lot has changed, a lot for the better... We've been on quite the journey." He continued: "This all started because there was a devastating famine in East Africa, we had this mad idea to make a few people laugh and raise a few quid and your startling generosity helped to pay for some wonderfully simple solutions to some big problems." As he thanked everyone for tuning in, viewers were pleased to see him on their screens. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter ), @ShakyWoon wrote: "Welcome back, Lenny Henry!" @acotswoldvoice added: "Oh come back Lenny, we need you!!!!" before adding: "Couldn't Lenny have just had one more year, then he could have retired tonight on the 40th anniversary instead of last year." @Rosie12_1994 penned: "wish lenny was still doing it!"