Comedian Lenny Henry to receive knighthood

Lenny Henry has confirmed he is to receive a knighthood from the Queen.

The comedian and charity fundraiser announced he is on the Queen’s Birthday honours list to receive a knighthood.

The names of those awarded won’t be officially confirmed until Friday. It follows speculation last weekend that Henry would be awarded one of the highest honours by the Queen.

Speaking to Radio 2 breakfast host Chris Evans, Henry said: “It is an extraordinary thing and I’m very chuffed.” He added that his family and friends had  been in contact to congratulate him on the honour.

Lenny Henry burst onto our screens back in 1975 when he appeared on talent show New Faces. Since then he has gone onto star in numerous comedy and television shows such as Chef!, Lenny Henry in Pieces and Tiswas.

As one of the co-founders of Comic Relief, Henry has been an integral part of Red Nose Day events which take places every two years. He is currently starring in BBC One drama The Syndicate.

In 1999, Henry was awarded a CBE by the Queen and revealed at the time that the Queen congratulated him on his work with Comic Relief.

Pictured top: Lenny Henry on ATV’s Tiswas in 1979. Bottom: Lenny Henry outside Birmingham’s New Street Station in 1981 for ATV Network.