Cilla Black will receive the BAFTA Special Award at the British Academy Television Awards.
The iconic TV star and singer will be honoured for her "outstanding" contribution to British television in a career spanning 50 years.
Cilla will be awarded the prize on Sunday, May 18, at the annual BAFTA TV Awards, held in London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
The flame-haired star said in a statement: "I am thrilled to be honoured with this award. I am totally delighted. I’ve been very fortunate to have a long and full career in television and this means the world to me."
BAFTA TV committee chairman Andrew Newman added: Andrew "Cilla Black is a true icon in the television and entertainment industry. From hosting her own show for the BBC in ’68 to defining ITV entertainment throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Cilla has been an extremely popular and hugely influential entertainer throughout her long career in television.
"Last year she celebrated her half-century in show business and we are thrilled that she will receive this year’s Special Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 18 May."
Beginning her career as a singer – managed by the man behind The Beatles – Cilla, 70, went on to become a staple of British TV with hit shows such as ‘Blind Date’ and ‘Surprise Surprise’.
Previous BAFTA TV Special Award winners include Simon Cowell, Clare Balding, Jon Snow and Murray Walker.
Cilla Black to receive BAFTA Special Award
