Sir Lenny Henry has been dubbed TalkTV’s “Plank of the Year” following his provocative proposal urging the UK to pay £19 trillion in slavery reparations. The 67-year-old comedian stirred debate in October when he suggested that every black British citizen should receive reparations funded by British taxpayers. His new book, “The Big Payback,” co-authored with Marcus Ryder, advocates for this colossal compensation, focusing not only on Caribbean nations but also on individuals within the UK.

In “The Big Payback,” Sir Lenny asserts that “all black British people… need reparations for slavery,” emphasizing that they “personally deserve money for the effects of slavery.” Alongside TV executive and diversity charity head Marcus Ryder, Sir Lenny presents their case for financial redress, grounded in historical context and ethical arguments.

Fast forward three months, and TalkTV’s Kevin O’Sullivan hosted a panel on his evening show to determine the “Plank of the Year,” ultimately bestowing this dubious distinction upon Sir Lenny, a well-known Comic Relief figure, as they revisited his notable proposition.

During the segment, author Rafal Haydel-Mankoo remarked, “He [Lenny Henry] wants the taxpayer to pay £19 trillion to every black person in this country, regardless of their ancestral connection to slavery. This would even include descendants of slave owners benefiting from such a payout.”

Haydel-Mankoo humorously noted, “£19 trillion exceeds the entire GDP of China,” prompting laughter in the studio before adding, “It’s the funniest thing he’s said since 1983.”

It didn’t take long before viewers flocked to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their surprise in his comments online. One user agreed: “The funniest joke Lenny Henry has ever made up. Now, instead of being a wannabe comedian, he’s a bona fide laughing stock!”

Another echoed: “Never heard him complain when he was earning millions from the UK public for his mediocre comedy career,” as a third chimed in with: “Henry should be back on stage for telling top jokes like that [cry-laughing emoji].”

It comes after September saw Africa’s EU equivalent jump on board a campaign pressuring British taxpayers to pay reparations for the country’s so-called “historic crimes”. The African Union demanded “meaningful reparations” from “former colonial powers” to address the exploitation of its people and land during the 1800s.

Despite mounting pressure, British Prime Ministers have repeatedly refused demands for reparations, with Sir Keir Starmer maintaining this stance.