Top showbiz award takes the Big Yin by surprise

HE has many accolades to his name, but Sir Billy Connolly has admitted he never knew the latest award to join his collection even existed.

The star, who was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, is this year’s Bafta Fellowship recipient.

It is the highest accolade given to recognise ‘outstanding and exceptional contribution’ in film, games or television.

Sir Billy, who will turn 80 in November, said: ‘I had no idea the fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal. It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow.’

Previous recipients include Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Walters, Sir Trevor McDonald, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jon Snow and Sir Bruce Forsyth.

The Big Yin retired from live performance in 2018, five years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He has continued to make TV appearances.

Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at Bafta, said: ‘We’re honoured to be awarding Sir Billy with the 2022 Bafta Fellowship Award.’

The Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards will be hosted by Richard Ayoade on May 8 on BBC One from 6pm.