The cast of BBC comedy series W1A are reuniting for a new special for Comic Relief. The show, which began in 2014 to poke fun at the internal workings of the BBC and was last on air in 2017, will return for a new sketch that will see the team look for a replacement for Sir Lenny Henry – who has announced that this year’s Red Nose Day will be his last.

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville returns to play Ian Fletcher who is the fictional head of values at the BBC. Also returning is Spaced actress Jessica Hynes as Siobhan Sharpe, Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Monica Dolan as Tracey Pritchard, and Fleabag actor Hugh Skinner as Will the intern.

The team will be interviewing special guests, such as Olympian Sir Mo Farah, comedian and actor Tom Davis, Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley, and Welsh singer Wynne Evans, to find the new Red Nose Day host in the comedy skit.

READ MORE: Welsh podcast star who was once a convicted criminal says 'for the right reasons' as he lands BBC Crimewatch role

READ MORE: ITV This Morning sends on-air message to Alison Hammond as she's replaced by co-star

Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans will be 'interviewed' in the new sketch

Sir Lenny announced in January he would step away to become life president of Comic Relief. The comedian and actor said of the new skit: “How dare they replace me? I’m only joking – I’m flattered that the incredible W1A team has come back together to make this sketch happen. It’s hilarious and the guest stars are absolutely brilliant too.”

Sir Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry is stepping down as host of Comic Relief

The Masked Singer stars Joel Dommett and Davina McCall, former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Doctor Who star David Tennant, Love Island presenter Maya Jama, and podcaster Rosie Ramsey are among 2024’s Comic Relief hosts. The full W1A sketch will air on BBC One from 7pm on March 15, 2024.

Money raised by Red Nose Day will go towards organisations helping to tackle some of the urgent problems faced by people here in the UK and around the world. This could include helping provide shelter for those that need it, putting food on plates, filling the shelves of baby banks, and offering someone to talk to or somewhere to be safe. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.