Sir Lenny Henry made a rare appearance with his partner Lisa Makin as they attended the Up Next gala at London's National Theatre on Wednesday.

The comedian, 65, cut a dapper figure in a wine-red crushed velvet blazer as he headed home hand-in-hand with theatre mogul Lisa, also 65.

He paired his sharp ensemble with a crisp white shirt, black tailored trousers and a pair of black shiny shoes.

The British actor began dating Lisa in 2012 after he split from Dawn French, his wife of 25 years, in 2010.

Lisa looked incredible as she wore a green sparkly zip-up jacket, black trousers and some platform block-heel sandals.

The pair appeared in high spirits for the evening as they walked the red carpet.

Their outing comes just weeks after Sir Lenny hosted his final Red Nose Day in March 2023 after 39 years.

He starred alongside Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Paddy McGuinness, Rosie Ramsey, Romesh Ranganathan, Maya Jama and David Tennant.

In a recent interview with The Radio Times, Sir Lenny said that missing his former Comic Relief co-hosts - including ex-wife Dawn - was one reason why he decided to step down from presenting the iconic telethon after 39-years.

The comic, who co-founded the charity alongside Richard Curtis, has fronted the Red Nose Day specials since its inception as a charity in 1985, but confirmed that this month's show will be his last.

Sir Lenny, who was married to Dawn from 1984 to 2010, told Radio Times he 'missed his gang' of fellow comics who co-hosted with him in the 80s including French And Saunders, Billy Connolly and the late Victoria Wood.

He told the publication: 'We were like a little gang. But for a few years I've felt, ''Where's the new gang?''.

'[Comic Relief] is a baton to be handed on to a new group of people who are going to take on Comic Relief'.

Sir Lenny then tipped his replacement after praising David Tennant who hosted the show in 2019 due to theatre commitments. 

Saying: 'I thought, well, actually, [David was] brilliant. And I think there's other people, newer people, who are coming up like Romesh Ranganathan, Alesha Dixon, AJ Odudu. 

'There are new people coming up now who can absolutely take the reins'.

However Sir Lenny did admit that while he would not be on screen during the big night he'd continue working for the charity behind the scenes as it's Life President. 

In 2010, Dawn and Sir Lenny, who share daughter Billie, divorced on the grounds of his 'unreasonable behaviour'.

There were rumours that Sir Lenny cheated on Dawn in 1999, an allegation he denied.

After 36 years at the helm, Sir Lenny said that he's decided it's time for new names to take the presenter reins, while he continues to support Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on other projects throughout the year.

He said: 'When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we'd still be here today. I thought we'd probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered.

'As Life President of Comic Relief, I'm excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.'

'Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling here and around the world.

'But we also know that the British public are brilliant – you're so kind and generous, if somebody has a problem, you always want to help out.

'Without you, we couldn't do what we do. I'd love nothing more than if you joined me in getting involved this year.

'Let's make it one to remember and show that having a laugh can actually make a world of difference.

'Do something funny for money, join me at The London Palladium, wear your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you! Let's go!'