'INSPECTOR MORSE' JOHN THAW TO RECEIVE BAFTA FELLOWSHIP

May 10, 2001May 10, 2001, 11:00 PM GMT+1

Inspector Morse star John Thaw will take home Bafta’s top honour on Sunday night when the industry gathers to celebrate the best in UK TV.

“It is an honour to be included in such a select band of actors, directors, and other industry luminaries, from Alfred Hitchcock to Woody Allen, from Sir John Gielgud to Morecambe and Wise,” says the 59-year-old actor. “It is a privilege to be among them.”

Sir Tom Courtenay is scheduled to present John with the prestigious British Academy Television Award fellowship at the televised ceremony.Two-time Bafta winner John first stepped into Morse’s classic cars in 1987, appearing in 33 programmes before the character was eventually killed off last year. The popular actor came to fame as detective Jack Regan in Seventies hitThe Sweeney and in 1995 took on the titular role in Kavanagh QC.

Also up for a Bafta award is controversial presenter Anne Robinson whose The Weakest Link competes with Who Wants To Be A Millionare? for best entertainment series. Reigning soap champ EastEnders faces off against Coronation Street for the coveted title of best soap. The ceremony will be hosted by Have I Got News For You presenter Angus Deayton.

The fellowship that John Thaw is to receive is awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British television

Thaw's Inspector Morse was known for his love of classic cars and finely tailored suits

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best celebrity coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.