Sir Lenny Henry is preparing to return to the stage, marking his first stand-up tour in over 15 years. 

The comedian, 66, hasn’t performed a full comedy set since 2008 and last hosted Live at the Apollo in 2010. 

After a decade focusing on theatre and acting, Lenny is eager to embrace stand-up once again.

Speaking about his return, Lenny told The Mirror: ‘It’s been a while, but there are plans in motion.’

He hinted that his new material could include a mix of classic and fresh content and teased that some of his iconic characters from The Lenny Henry Show, such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins, might make a reappearance alongside modern creations. 

He explained: ‘It might just be me talking to the audience, but I love weaving in the characters. It’s the 21st century, though, so I want to try something new.’

Sir Lenny Henry is  preparing to return to the stage, marking his first stand-up tour in over 15 years

The Comedy legend, 66, hasn’t performed a full comedy set since 2008 and last hosted Live at the Apollo in 2010 (pictured here in 1986)

The comedian also addressed concerns about navigating today’s comedy landscape, saying: ‘People can say anything they like, as long as they edit themselves. If you can’t self-edit, that’s when you’re in trouble.’

MailONline has contacted Lenny’s representatives for comment. 

Sir Lenny first made his mark on shows like Tiswas and as a warm-up act for comedy greats Morecambe and Wise. 

More recently, he’s earned acclaim for his acting, including a role in Netflix’s Missing You, released this month.

With his comeback on the horizon, Lenny said he’s inspired by changes in society and politics, describing the current climate as ‘a mᴀssive smorgasbord of subject matter.’    

Last year saw Lenny present his last Comic Relief gig after over two decades of hosting the show.

Reflecting on his decision to leave the show, he said that he ‘missed his gang’ of comics who previously presented the programme with him in the 80s, including Billy Connolly, the late Victoria Wood and ex-wife Dawn French. 

Since his split from Dawn, Lenny has been dating Lisa Makin for over a decade, who is a casting director and theatre producer. 

The pair first started dating all the way back in 2012 and have remained pretty тιԍнт lipped about their relationship.

Speaking about his return, Lenny revealed plans were in motion and hinted that his new material could include a mix of classic and fresh content

After a decade off the circuit, Lenny has focused on theatre and acting (pictured here in Harlan Coben’s Netflix series Missing You)

Lenny Henry played Clint Donovan, alongside Ashley Walters (pictured) in the hit series which aired at the beginning of this year

It comes after the TV personality presented his last Comic Relief show in 2024 after two decades, saying he ‘missed his gang’ of comics who previously presented the programme with him in the 80s

According to IMDB, Lisa has been credited as a casting director for several mini-series including Peaches, Mine All Mine, Aberfan: The Untold Story and more.

When asked if he would tie the knot with his long-term girlfriend whilst chatting with the Times in 2023, Lenny didn’t confirm or deny.

Read More Who is Lenny Henry’s partner? Everything about Lisa Makin with comedian set to host his last Comic Relief

After being pressed on the matter, he joked: ‘Have you been talking to Lisa? No comment.’

Lenny and his ex-wife Dawn walked down the aisle in 1984 in a Covent Garden wedding which they both described as ‘fancy-schmancy’.

However after 25 years together the pair decided to go their separate ways in 2010.

They released a joint statement which read: ‘The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship.

‘Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter.’

Following their divorce, neither have gone into depth about why they called it a day on their marriage but have maintained a front of amicability.

In a 2014 interview with The Sun, Dawn joked: ‘Maybe I should have worn more interesting pants and I’d still be married to him.’

Three years later, the comedian told The Mirror that their ‘very happy marriage’ easily transformed into a ‘lasting friendship.

She added: ‘Remarkably, we seem to have shifted with relative ease from a 25-year marriage to a lasting friendship.

‘I am amazed by us. There is no war, we’ve turned out to be the best of friends. There were lots of good years but one tricky last year.’

Chatting to the publication in 2012, Lenny revealed that the divorce ‘wasn’t that bad’ and that the process тιԍнтened his bond with his daughter Billie.

Lenny Henry was previously married to fellow comedian Dawn French. The pair tied the knot in a Covent Garden ceremony in 1984 (pictured)

He now dates casting director Lisa Makin who he has been with over a decade but remains тιԍнт lipped about their relationoship

Regarding living with his daughter, he said: ‘We lived together for a year and we did lots together and we watched a lot of movies together. 

‘She’s very bright and sparky, so I miss her now she’s not here. I go to see her a few times a month to see how she is getting on.’ 

in 1991, Dawn and Lenny adopted Billie, 33, after years of struggling to conceive.

Reflecting on the process of trying to have a baby, Dawn shared with the Telegraph: ‘I had grief for a while. I did have miscarriages, so I’ve had grief about that as well.

‘But the minute Billie arrived that was it for me. She fills everything I needed to be as a mother.’