Key Highlights
- Lenny Rush made history as the first child presenter for BBC Children in Need in 2023.
- Rush won a BAFTA TV Award in 2023 for Best Male Comedy Performance for his role in “Am I Being Unreasonable?”
- The actor has spent four months of his life in hospital due to spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC).
- Rush is part of a growing group of actors with disabilities, highlighting the importance of representation.
Lenny Rush: A Rising Star on BBC Children in Need
13 November 2025 marks a significant milestone for Lenny Rush as he returns to the spotlight for another year as a presenter for BBC Children in Need. This beloved charity event, now back with its iconic lineup including Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, and Big Zuu, promises an engaging three-hour show broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm. Rush’s journey to becoming a household name began in 2023 when he won the prestigious BAFTA TV Award for Best Male Comedy Performance for his role as Ollie in the acclaimed series “Am I Being Unreasonable?”.
Health Challenges and Early Life
Rush was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), a form of dwarfism that has posed significant health challenges from his earliest days. He spent the first four months of his life in hospital, facing multiple medical interventions including leg surgeries and procedures to repair a cleft palate. Spinal surgery was also necessary as part of his ongoing care under the guidance of doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Discussing his medical journey, Rush expressed gratitude for the impact of one particular physician: “The doctor changed my life,” he shared during an interview with the BBC.
His condition affects various aspects of health, including vision, mobility, endurance, coordination, and hearing. Despite these challenges, Rush remains optimistic about his role as a role model.
Representation and Inspiration
Rush’s journey to becoming a TV star has not only been marked by his on-screen achievements but also by the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. He is part of a growing group of actors with disabilities, including Warwick Davis, who shares the same condition. Rush highlighted the significance of this representation: “There weren’t too many people out there,” he said during an interview with The Guardian. “There should be more.” His role as Ollie in “Am I Being Unreasonable?” was commended for its approach to disability, which he found “refreshing.”
A Balanced Life: Acting and Schoolwork
Beyond his impressive career, Rush is keen on maintaining a balanced life. He lives with his supportive family in Essex, where his father Steve owns a kitchen design business while his mother Lisa paused her career as a dental nurse to provide care for Lenny and his younger brother Bobby. Rush is determined to live a “normal” life despite his busy schedule, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his feet on the ground.
Rush’s dual roles as an actor and student have presented unique challenges.
He manages school work alongside acting commitments: “It can be a long one but it’s just being prepared, having everything with you,” he shared. This preparation allows him to stay updated and ensure that he is up to date with his studies.
From his first appearance on television in the CBeebies documentary “Our Family”, Rush has continued to make a mark both on screen and off. His journey from a seven-year-old boy into an accomplished actor and BAFTA winner reflects not just individual success but also the broader push for greater representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
The upcoming Children in Need event, where Rush will once again be at the forefront, promises to continue this inspiring tradition. As he steps back onto the stage, Lenny Rush stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance and representation in today’s media landscape.
