Kate Adie is to receive the BAFTA Fellowship.

Kate Adie

Kate Adie

The veteran news journalist will be honoured with the organisation's highest accolade at the upcoming Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards at London's Royal Festival Hall on May 13.

Kate said: "It's lovely to be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship. I feel very honoured."

The honour is given in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, television or games across their career and the 72-year-old reporter has been chosen because of her "fearless" work as a "ground-breaking" news journalist.

Jane Lush, Chair of BAFTA, said: "Kate Adie is a truly ground-breaking news journalist, being one of a very small number of women working to report the news from hostile environments around the world.

"Throughout her career, she has brought audiences to the centre of the story by fearlessly reporting from the ground, whilst clearly and concisely explaining the complex issues to audiences at home. We are delighted to be celebrating her stellar career at this year's ceremony; she is a true trailblazer and very deserving of the Fellowship Award."

Last year Joanna Lumley was awarded with the Fellowship, while other past TV honourees include Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Jon Snow, Bruce Forsyth, Melvyn Bragg, Michael Palin, Trevor MacDonald, David Attenborough, Julie Walters, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Meanwhile, it was previously revealed legendary football commentator John Motson will receive the Special Award at the ceremony to mark his outstanding contribution to sports broadcasting.

John, who is known affectionately as Motty, said: "It is such an honour to be given the Special Award by BAFTA at this year's ceremony, especially on the day of my last football commentary for 'Match of the Day'.

"I've had such a rewarding career and I'm looking forward to celebrating this award with colleagues, friends and family."

The 72-year-old star has covered more than 2,000 football matches throughout his career, including a staggering 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games and will retire from the BBC at the end of this season.

The Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards will be hosted by Sue Perkins on May 13.

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