Writer's gong now in his name

The British Comedy Awards are to remember Ronnie Barker by renaming the writer of the year prize in his honour.

Ronnie Corbett will present The Ronnie Barker Writer of the Year Award at the ceremony on December 14.

Barker’s widow Joy said: “I know Ronnie would have been delighted by having the British Comedy Writer of the Year award named after him.

“Throughout his career he thought writers were so important and were to be encouraged.

'Of course, I give my permission for this to happen and am very proud as well.'

On the night, his Open All Hours co-star David Jason, who today collected his knighthood from the Queen, will present a video tribute to his friend and colleague, who died in October aged 76

Nominations have not been announced for the writer’s award, but  Ricky Gervais and Extras lead the published shortlists. Click here for all the nominees.

Gervais  this year became the most nominated comedian in the history of the British Comedy Awards with a total of ten nominations over the years.

Executive producer Michael Hurll said: ‘This year’s comedy output on television is probably the strongest ever in the 16 years of the British Comedy Awards.  Imagine you were a member of the jury and you had to decide between Little Britain, Extras and Nighty Night…’

Published: 1 Dec 2005