Joan Bakewell is "thrilled" to be honoured with the BAFTA Television Fellowship.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced on Tuesday (16.04.19) the 86-year-old broadcaster and journalist will be recognised with their highest accolade at the Virgin British Academy Television Awards on May 12th.
Joan Bakewell said: "I’m thrilled to see so many women nominated this year and delighted to share this great BAFTA occasion with them.
"I have been a broadcaster for many decades now and seen major changes along the way, not least the advancement of women both on the screen and in many roles behind it."
Nicola Shindler – who is responsible for producing hit dramas such as ‘Queer as Folk’, ‘Clocking Off’, ‘Happy Valley’, ‘Burn It’ and BBC One series ‘Trust Me’ – will receive the BAFTA Television Special Award at the ceremony.
And the 50-year-old TV producer is "honoured" to be recognised, because for years she has strived to make popular and entertaining dramas.
She gushed: "I am incredibly honoured to be the recipient of the BAFTA Television Special Award.
"When I set up RED Production Company 20 years ago my goal was to make drama that I wanted to watch and that always challenged the audience as well as entertained.
"It hasn’t been easy but I am proud of the shows we make at RED and how hard we work.
"I have an amazing team, and have worked with a number of the most incredible people, who have made coming into work each day a joy.
"And I’m not done! I continue to be excited by new ideas everyday, and I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years brings."
Script supervisor Emma Thomas – who has worked on shows such as ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ – will receive the BAFTA Television Craft Special Award, and she feels very privileged to be given the accolade.
She said: "I have had the privilege to work with a number of talented professionals on a huge variety of programming and films throughout my career and have been at the forefront of this ever-changing industry.
"It’s a privilege to have been awarded the prestigious British Academy Television Craft Special Award in a year where so many women have been recognised by BAFTA in front of and behind the screen."
The Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards – which will air on BBC One – will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday May 12th.
This year’s BAFTA Television Craft Awards will be held at The Brewery on Sunday April 28th.