Award from Bristol's Slapstick festival

Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are to receive this year's Aardman Slapstick Comedy Legend Award.

The pair, who reunited for the Comic Relief telethon on Friday, will receive the honour from Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc on behalf of Bristol's vintage comedy festival Slapstick in June.

The honour – which comes in the form of a custom-made French and Saunders version of the Aardman character Morph – comes as the pair mark 30 years since the start of their BBC One sketch series.

Slapstick festival director Chris Daniels says: 'Together, they became the UK's best known female comedy duo, setting an example which opened up opportunities for many other women comedians.'

French joked of the honour:  'I just can't believe we are receiving the Aardman Slapstick Award.  Actually, wait a minute… on second thoughts, I can, because it's happening on June 22 and I've already bought a lovely new top s'pecially…'

They follow in the footsteps of previous winners including Ken Dodd, Barry Cryer, Barry Humphries and June Whitfield.

The award will be handed out at the end of an evening celebrating the pair's work, featuring an interview with them both, clips and celebrity video salutes. Tickets go on sale on Friday and will go towards funding the next Slapstick festival, taking place from January 26-28.

Published: 28 Mar 2017