Michael Palin to Receive Academy Fellowship at British Academy Television Awards

Michael Palin will receive BAFTA's highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship, at this year's Arqiva British Academy Television Awards.

BAFTA has today announced that English comedian, actor, writer and presenter Michael Palin CBE will receive BAFTA's highly-regarded accolade, the Fellowship , at this year's Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 12 May at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

John Willis, Chairman of BAFTA , said: "Michael Palin, ex-Python, writer, presenter and BAFTA-winning actor whose amiable onscreen manner belies the seriousness of his craft, has Made an incredible contribution to the medium over five decades. There are few individuals more worthy than Michael of the Fellowship, the highest honour the Academy can bestow."

Starting out as a writer for series such as The Frost Report, Michael quickly found himself in front of the camera. He is a founding member of world-renowned comedy group Monty Python, featuring in such classics as Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Holy Grail and Life of Brian. Michael's intelligence, wit and masterful creativity were crucial elements to Monty Python's success.

Michael continues to work on several critically acclaimed televised series, presenting some of the most recognised travel documentaries on television: Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Sahara, Himalaya, New Europe, Around the World in 20 Years and more recently Brazil with Michael Palin. Michael's further writing and acting credits include Ripping Yarns, Alan Bleasdale's GBH, East of Ipswich, American Friends and A Fish Called Wanda.

On receiving the Fellowship, Michael Palin said: "A BAFTA Fellowship is a very high honour for anyone working in television. I'm well aware that any success I've had is down to team-work. I've been blessed throughout my career with the inspiration and support of others. The Fellowship is for all of us."

The Arqiva British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Graham Norton at the Royal Festival Hall, London, and broadcast on BBC One at 8pm on Sunday 12 May.

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