Lenny Henry is to be awarded a knighthood.
The 56-year-old comedian is set to be knighted in the Queen’s birthday honours list, announced next weekend, in celebration of the 30-year anniversary of Comic Relief, which he co-founded with comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis in 1985.
A palace insider told The Sun newspaper: "This is a well-deserved recognition for an entertainer who has tirelessly used his talents to help others who are not so fortunate."
Earlier this year the charity revealed it had raised a total of £1 billion during its 30 years, with the money funding almost 16,000 projects in the UK and 70 abroad.
Despite the fact his high profile as a TV star helped him launch the hugely successful organisation, Lenny – who was awarded the CBE in 1999 – said he would never let his adopted daughter Billie follow him and her mother, comedian Dawn French, into the showbiz world.
The stand-up star – who is currently starring in BBC drama ‘The Syndicate’ – told The Times newspaper: "I would never let a child of mine near showbusiness. I watch ‘The X Factor’ and ‘The Voice’ and hear kids go on and say, ‘I’m 16’. It’s so exploitative for little kids. It’s well dodgy."
Lenny Henry to receive knighthood
