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Our very own Sir Lenny Henry returns for a BBC special this week to mark his 60th birthday, in a unique show hosted by fellow ‘Knight of the Realm’ Sir Trevor McDonald.

But not only does the actor and comic bare all in a dissecting interview, he continues his tradition of parodying popular culture through a series of brand new comedy sketches where he dons the famous guises of music stars Stevie Wonder, Stormzy and Childish Gambino; as well as Marvel comic character T’Challa from the Black Panther series.

Lenny Henry turns 60 this year, marking the occasion with a special birthday show on BBC One BBC/Jack Lawson
Lenny Henry turns 60 this year, marking the occasion with a special birthday show on BBC One

Reflecting back on his career while in the hot seat with McDonald, Henry reminisces about his youth and school life, growing up in Dudley with his mother and father as authority figures, falling in love with comedy and the excitement and challenges of his early auditions and performances in Birmingham; before landing appearances on New Faces, a role on Tiswas and becoming one of the key founders and ambassadors of Comic Relief and Red Nose Day.

Lenny, who was knighted in the Queen’s 2015 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity, has also commit to more serious acting in his critically acclaimed role in Shakespeare’s Othello in 2009. This has been followed with a decade of acting in TV dramas, theatre productions and his continued comedy and charity work.

Lenny Henry sits down with Trevor McDonald to discuss his career and life in a 60th birthday special showBBC/Des Willie
Lenny Henry sits down with Trevor McDonald to discuss his career and life in a 60th birthday special show
Lenny Henry was raised in Dudley but is a champion ambassador and role model for many in Birmingham and the West MidlandsBBC/Jack Lawson
Lenny Henry was raised in Dudley but is a champion ambassador and role model for many in Birmingham and the West Midlands

In 2017, the West Midlands star was appointed Chancellor of Birmingham City University for a five-year term.

Returning for a special outing to mark his 60th birthday, a slimmer and trimmer looking Lenny sits down with Trevor to discuss his career, his struggles in the industry and his influences.

Included in the show are punchy and cleverly done comedy skits, sending up popular YouTube videos including Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ and Stormzy’s ‘Shut Up’; with a strong focus on social commentary about the evolution of television, new media and representation.

Here’s Lenny Henry as you’ve never seen him before:

#1  Stormzy

Lenny Henry as Stormzy for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#2

Lenny Henry as Stormzy for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#3

Lenny Henry as Stormzy for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#4

Lenny Henry as Stormzy for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#5  T’Challa / Black Panther

Lenny Henry as T'Challa Black Panther for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#6

Lenny Henry as T'Challa Black Panther for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#7  Stevie Wonder 

Lenny Henry as Stevie Wonder for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#8

Lenny Henry as Stevie Wonder for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#9

Lenny Henry as Stevie Wonder for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#10  Trevor McDonald 

Lenny Henry as and with Trevor McDonald for his 60th birthday specialBBC/Des Willie

#11  Childish Gambino

The Lenny Henry Birthday Show will be broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday 22nd August 2018, and be available on BBC iPlayer here thereafter for 30 days.

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