Comedian Sir Lenny Henry has vowed to continue making British television the most diverse in the world after receiving a knighthood from the Queen at Windsor Castle.
The Comic Relief co-founder, who was recognised for services to drama and charity, dedicated the honour to anyone who had contributed to or worked with the charity over its 30-year history. Over that time it has raised £1 billion.
Sir Lenny said: “I’m one of the pointy ends of it so I’ve been recognised as something, but the British public will all possibly get a turn at wearing this, because they’re part of this too.
“And anybody who’s given me work really, anybody who’s elevated me to this position. There’s a huge amount of gratitude there.
“I’m very thankful.”
Sir Lenny has previously expressed concern over the low number of black, Asian and minority ethnic working in creative industries and said he hopes his production company, Douglas Road, will be able to encourage diversity in the television industry.
He said: “We’re at the beginning of the journey, we’re not at the end. There’s a long way to go.”
He added: “Perhaps we’ve made progress as far as on-screen representation is concerned, but there’s a lot of work to be done in the furthering of diversity behind the camera.
“It’s happening. I believe we’re pushing against the open door. It’s just that people need to be encouraged to work a bit faster.”
Asked for his advice for any aspiring comedians or actors, Sir Lenny said: “I would say never give up. Never, ever give up.”
He added: “This was not on the cards for me. I’m a working-class kid from Dudley.
“I was born in very lowly circumstances so for me to be here is a huge honour and completely unimaginable.”