Comedian Lenny Henry has scooped the prestigious Golden Rose of Montreux award for his TV sketch show Lenny Henry In Pieces, which was shown on BBC1 last Christmas, garnering eight million viewers. It was his first comedy show in more than seven years.
“What a way to come back!” said Lenny, who has spent the interim on drama acting. He added, “There are many, many black creators and performers in Britain who are excluded for some reason and if seeing me up there inspires them, that will be a very good thing indeed.”
British TV did well in other areas of the awards, which are the leading litmus paper for international television. Ali G’s Channel 4 series took the Bronze Rose in the comedy category, while The Weakest Link continued its roll by winning the best gameshow slot, and ITV’s televised quest to find a new band, Popstars, was named best variety programme.
The BBC has announced that Lenny Henry In Pieces will be made into a series to be aired over the summer.