The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that Sir Lenny Henry, one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and writers, will be celebrated in an hour-long television special to be broadcast on BBC Two this Christmas. The program is co-produced by BAFTA Productions and Whizz Kid Entertainment.

“Sir Lenny Henry: A Life on Screen” will be broadcast at 9pm on Monday December 19 with a repeat at 11pm on Wednesday December 21, and will delve into the archives to showcase some of Lenny’s incredible work, spanning his 41 years in show business from his early appearance on New Faces to his instrumental roles in “Tiswas” and “Comic Relief” and to becoming one of Britain’s most diverse and critically acclaimed performers.

The program will feature interviews with close friends and colleagues who helped shape Sir Lenny’s glittering career, such as Richard Curtis, Kim Fuller, Michael Grade, Trevor McDonald and Chris Tarrant, as well an in-depth interview with Sir Lenny himself. The special is to be produced by Samantha Peters who has been the inspirational Producer of the three “Life On Screen” series to date.




Clare Brown, Director of Production at BAFTA, said: “Following the Special Award that we presented to Sir Lenny at the British Academy Television Awards earlier this year, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to create a program that illustrates the versatility and passion of this talented performer this Christmas.”

Katherine Allen, Executive Producer at Whizz Kid Entertainment, said: “We are incredibly happy to be working once again with BBC Two and BAFTA Productions to shine the spotlight on another fantastic entertainer, Sir Lenny Henry.”

Pinki Chambers, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment, said: “Viewers are in for a real treat as we see Lenny and the people closest to him share some hilarious and interesting stories behind the some of his most memorable shows.”

Patrick Holland, Channel Editor of BBC Two, and Pinki Chambers, Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment, commissioned the program. Executive Producers are Clare Brown for BAFTA Productions and Katherine Allen for Whizz Kid Entertainment.