'Frankly, it's been some time coming'

John Cleese is to receive one of the international television industry's top honours.

The Python star will be presented with the Sir Peter Ustinov/Comedy Network Award at the Banff Television Festival, held in the Canadian Rockies this summer.

Pat Ferns, president of the Banff Television Foundation, said: "Fawlty Towers comes as close to perfection as any situation comedy ever written.

"John Cleese's genius is that he knows life and he knows his audience. His command of all forms of comedy, from physical to verbal, from slapstick to satire, makes him a true master. We are honoured to pay tribute to his spectacular talents and accomplishments."

Cleese, 62, said: ""I feel very, very humble that I have been chosen to receive this wonderful award."

And he joked: "Of course, I'm not going to pretend that I don't deserve it. Obviously I do,

"Frankly, it has been some time coming. But let's not get into all that, as it will impinge my humility.

"I look forward enormously, not only to all the adulation, but also to visiting beautiful Banff again, even if only to check that it is being spelled correctly."

Cleese will accept his award on June 10. Previous winners have included Kelsey Grammer, Bob Newhart and Tracey Ullman.

Published: 21 Feb 2002