Sir Billy Connolly will be honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at this year's Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards.
Sir Billy Connolly will be honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at this year's Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards
The comedian joked he didn't know about the existence of the Fellowship - the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA in recognition of an individual's outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games across their career - but he is delighted to have been recognised.
He said: "I am deeply honoured. Fifty films and ... I can’t remember how many TV shows - as well as my stage comedy - added up to something that’s a joy to look back on.
"A lovely thing. I have no regrets at all. I had no idea the Fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal! [Laughs]. It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow."
Billy - who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 - lives in the US and is unable to attend the upcoming Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards in London on Sunday (08.05.22) in person so he has sent a video message which will be played during the ceremony.
Previous recipients of the award include Sir David Attenborough, Sir Trevor McDonald, Jon Snow, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Dame Julie Walters.
Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content at BAFTA, said: "We're honoured to be awarding Sir Billy Connolly with the 2022 BAFTA Fellowship Award.
"He has made a remarkable contribution to our industry from his first appearance on Parkinson in 1975, through to becoming a national treasure on stage and screen, adored by fans around the world.
"BAFTA is looking forward to celebrating this award with Sir Billy in due course and thanking him again for his phenomenal career in television."
The Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards take place on Sunday 8 May in London, hosted by Richard Ayoade. They will air at 6pm BST on BBC One.