Forsyth to get top Bafta honour

Bruce Forsyth began his career at the age of 14

Veteran presenter Bruce Forsyth will receive Bafta's highest accolade at its TV awards ceremony, which is being held at the London Palladium on Sunday.

Bafta said the Academy Fellowship, which will be given to him by Paul Merton, was in recognition of Forsyth's "outstanding body of work".

Committee chair John Willis called the 80-year-old performer "the ultimate all-round entertainer".

"He has been keeping viewers of all ages entertained for decades," he said.

Prime-time shows

Willis said it was the "perfect time" to honour Forsyth, who celebrated his birthday in February.

Clips from BBC series Cranford

Previous recipients of the honour include Ken Loach, Anne Coates, Richard Curtis and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Forsyth began his career at the age of 14 when he left school and launched himself on the music hall circuit.

He went on to front a host of programmes including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

Costume drama Cranford has received four Bafta TV nominations, including a best actress nod for Dame Judi Dench.

Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice and Britain's Got Talent are among the other series up for the audience award, with the winner chosen by the public.

EastEnders, Emmerdale, Holby City and The Bill are all competing in the continuing drama series category.

The ceremony can be seen on Sunday at 2000 BST on BBC One.