Joan Bakewell honoured with BAFTA Television Fellowship

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.