Joanna Lumley is to receive a special honour at this year’s TV Baftas.
The ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ star will receive this year’s Bafta Fellowship, to acknowledge her outstanding contribution to the field of television.
She said: “Nothing could make me prouder or happier than being awarded this phenomenal honour.
“To be counted amongst the greatest talents and stars of our industry is an awesome gift: the Bafta Fellowship is the grandest and most unexpected prize I have ever had the joy of receiving.”
Mike Marsland via Getty Images
With an acting career that spans more than 40 years, Joanna shot to fame in 1976 when she bagged the role of Purdey in ‘The New Avengers’.
Nowadays, she’s best known for her iconic role as Patsy Stone in ‘Ab Fab’, recently reprising the role for last year’s big screen adaptation.
Bafta chair Jane Lush said: “From high-kicking her way into our hearts as Purdey in ‘The New Avengers’ to showcasing her enviable comedic credentials with her portrayal of Patsy Stone in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, Joanna Lumley is a true icon of television, and so I am truly delighted that Bafta will be honouring her with Fellowship this year, the highest honour that the Academy bestows.”
Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock
Recent recipients of the TV Bafta Fellowship have included Julie Walters and Sir Bruce Forsyth, while last year the title went to screenwriters Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
The TV Baftas will air on Sunday 14 May from 8pm on BBC One, with former ‘Great British Bake Off’ host Sue Perkins set to take on presenting duties for the first time.
'Absolutely Fabulous' Film Premiere
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders pose with guests at the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jane Horrocks attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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Comedian Dawn French poses for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of the film 'Absolutely Fabulous' in London, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders pose with guests at the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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Model Abbey Clancy poses for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of the film 'Absolutely Fabulous' in London, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: A view of the atmosphere during the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley (L) and Jennifer Saunders attend the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Julia Sawalha attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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Kelly Hoppen and John Gardiner attending the World premiere of Absolutely Fabulous The Movie held at Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley (R) and Jennifer Saunders attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: A view of the atmosphere during the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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Director Mandie Fletcher attending the World premiere of Absolutely Fabulous The Movie held at Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
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Bruno Tonioli and Jackie St Clair attending the World premiere of Absolutely Fabulous The Movie held at Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
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Giles Deacon attending the Absolutely Fabulous The Movie World Premiere held at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, London (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jane Horrocks attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Adrian Edmondson attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Emma Bunton attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jodie Harsh attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Pam Hogg attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Melanie Blatt and Nicole Appleton attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Julia Sawalha attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Rylan Clark attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Kylie Minogue and Joshua Sasse attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Myleene Klass attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Louis Spence attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Janette Tough attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Katie Piper attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Robert Webb attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Ben Elton attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Sophie Raworth attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Judith Chalmers attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Kelly Hoppen attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robert Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley (L) and Jennifer Saunders attend the World Premiere after party of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Liberty on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Christopher Biggins attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: (L-R) June Whitfield, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks attend the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jerry Hall (L) and Rupert Murdoch attend the World Premiere after party of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Liberty on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Celia Imrie attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Tinie Tempah attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders attend the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Carrie Fisher attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Dame Zandra Rhodes attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jonathan Ross (L) and Carrie Fisher attend the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Daisy Lowe attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Myleene Klass attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Henry Holland attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Jean Paul Gaultier attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Stella McCartney and Kate Moss attend the World premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Fred Duval/FilmMagic) (credit:Fred Duval via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Helen Lederer attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Kate Moss attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Emma Bunton attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Darren Strowger (L) and Sadie Frost attend the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Bruno Tonioli attends the World Premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Odeon Leicester Square on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Arlene Phillips attending the Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie world film premiere, after party at Liberty of London on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Milan/GC Images) (credit:Mark Milan via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Carla Amfo attends the after party of the world premiere of 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' at Liberty on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)