NTAs announces Michael Palin will receive 2020 Special Recognition Award
Monty Python legend Sir Michael Palin will be presented with the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards tonight (January 28).
The 76-year-old has been a mainstay in UK pop-culture for 50 years – with Python bursting onto the scene in 1969 – and has had a hugely varied career.
Through his series Around the World in 80 Days, Palin helped pioneer the world of travel documentaries and has gone on to produce some of TV's fascinating cultural accounts, with visits to North Korea, the Himalayas and many more.
He's also had small-screen roles in the likes of Three Men in a Boat, Do Not Adjust Your Set and Clangers.
Palin's acceptance speech will no doubt be an emotional affair, and he may choose to pay tribute to his dear friend Terry Jones, who died last week.
Jones sadly passed away at the age of 77 following a battle with dementia, and Palin stated at the time: "He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian – writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children's author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have."
The 25th National Television Awards air on ITV tonight at 7.30pm.
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