Lenny Henry is to be awarded a knighthood.
Lenny Henry
The 56-year-old comedian is set to be knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list, announced next weekend, in celebration of the 30-year anniversary of Comic Relief, which he co-founded with comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis in 1985.
A palace insider told The Sun newspaper: "This is a well-deserved recognition for an entertainer who has tirelessly used his talents to help others who are not so fortunate."
Earlier this year the charity revealed it had raised a total of £1 billion during its 30 years, with the money funding almost 16,000 projects in the UK and 70 abroad.
Despite the fact his high profile as a TV star helped him launch the hugely successful organisation, Lenny - who was awarded the CBE in 1999 - said he would never let his adopted daughter Billie follow him and her mother, comedian Dawn French, into the showbiz world.
The stand-up star - who is currently starring in BBC drama 'The Syndicate' - told The Times newspaper: "I would never let a child of mine near showbusiness. I watch 'The X Factor' and 'The Voice' and hear kids go on and say, 'I'm 16'. It's so exploitative for little kids. It's well dodgy."
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