Comic Relief viewers were left fuming as they slammed the ‘unnecessary’ eight presenter line-up during Friday evening’s show, while an iconic host was noticeably missing.

For the 40th anniversary of Red Nose Day, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark, AJ Odudu, Tom Allen and Alesha Dixon reunited to host the annual charity show.

But fans were not very impressed after criticising the long presenters line-up, while pointing out legendary host Lenny Henry was missing after the British comedian bid farewell to the show last year. 

The actor co-founded Comic Relief 39 years ago and also co-hosted for several years.

Viewers of the annual charity show took to X, criticising the comedian’s absence as they claim is ‘not the same without him’, penning on the social media platform:

‘It shows how far #ComicRelief has sunk even Lenny Henry has abandoned it’;

Comic Relief viewers were left fuming as they slammed ‘unnecessary’ eight presenter line-up after an iconic host was missing on Friday evening’s episode

For the 40th anniversary of Red Nose Day Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Alesha Dixon reunited to host the annual charity show

‘Is this the best they can do? Washed up 80’s acts, enough presenters to fill a small city, a nobody pretending to be a gladiator and Lenny Henry watching old VHS tapes. Abysmal. #comicrelief’;

‘It shows how far #ComicRelief has sunk even Lenny Henry has abandoned it’; ‘I never thought I’d miss Lenny Henry and Ben Elton but they were better than that lot’; 

‘What a waste of everyone’s time is that football sketch Absolute cringe In fact, Lenny Henry’s update aside, the whole show has been mᴀssive cringe’; 

‘We always turn the TV down, dim the lights and keep the curtains shut on red nose day in case Lenny Henry comes round’;

‘What has happened to Comic Relief? I realise the likes of Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Griff Rhys Jones etc can’t host it anymore but why have they drafted in Davina McCall, Rylan and Alison Hammond? What have they got to do with comedy?’

Sir Lenny told viewers a year ago: ‘It is not about me – it is about the mirth and the money, the comedy and compᴀssion.’

But fans were not very impressed after criticising the long presenters line-up as they noticed legendary host Lenny Henry (pictured in February) was missing after the British comedian bid farewell to the show last year

Viewers of the annual charity show took to X, criticising the comedian’s absence as they claim is ‘not the same without him’

Read More Davina McCall breaks down in tears live on Comic Relief after brain surgery

But fans were soon cheered up as host Davina introduced a segment about Sir Lenny, adding he is ‘the man who hung up his hosting shoes last year, but will turn his back on the projects we support’.

‘Doing good never gets old,’ the British comedian commented emotionally.

At the end of Comic Relief, Johnathan revealed the final amount raised was an incredible £32,000,033. 

Earlier in the show, Davina broke down as she discussed her brain tumour surgery, after undergoing an operation to remove a colloid cyst four months ago.

Choking back tears she said: ‘Doctors found a brain tumour and after thinking about it for a while I decided it would be best to have it removed. It made me really think deeply about what life is really about and what matters when life gets tough.

‘I’ve really need the support of my friends and family. It really made me think that there are so many people who are in trouble and danger and they don’t have the support that I had. I was really lucky.’

Meanwhile Billy Monger was presented with a Guinness World Records тιтle for the fastest time to complete the IRONMAN World Championship triathlon for Comic Relief.

During the show it was revealed his challenge had raised a huge £1,287,259, he said: ‘I have never been so full of pride to be able to give back to people in that way. I’m so proud to be a part of it!’

Elsewhere, Jamie Laing broke down in tears after completing his gruelling Ultra Marathon challenge and raising an incredible £2,007,114 for Comic Relief.

Davina later broke down herself as she discussed her brain tumour surgery, after undergoing an operation to remove a colloid cyst four months ago

Choking back tears she said: ‘Doctors found a brain tumour and after thinking about it for a while I decided it would be best to have it removed. It made me really think deeply about what life is really about and what matters when life gets tough

It comes after Jamie Laing broke down in tears after completing his gruelling Ultra Marathon challenge and raising an incredible £2,007,114 for Comic Relief 

The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 36, undertook the whopping 150-mile, five-day run from London to Salford and couldn’t contain his emotion and was comforted by wife Sophie Habboo as he crossed the finish line.

Chocking back tears a jubilant Jamie declared: ‘Thank you so much. That is unbelievable! You’re changing lives. Thank you so much!’.

He was met by cheering crowds as well as fellow Radio 1 hosts Greg James, Vick Hope and Jeremiah Asiamah who announced the eye-popping amount he’d raised.

Jamie gushed: ‘At one point I thought I was down and out. Mentally I was gone, physically I was broken. I didn’t have anything left in me. Something pulled me out.

Before adding: ‘The last kilometre was the most euphoric thing I’ve ever had.’

The final day of his five day challenge saw Jamie joined for a stretch by Greg , who looked rather fetching in a wedding dress and garter.