Comedy duo French and Saunders are to receive a Bafta Fellowship at this years BAFTA ceremony.

The pair will receive the award for their contribution to comedy TV, whcih included shows like their BBC sketch series, Absolutely Fabulous and Vicar of Dibley.

Vicar of Dibley creator Richard Curtis spoke to BBC and described the pair as the UK’s “best ever double act”.

He said: “The great thing about French and Saunders is that they have never lost that edginess and weirdness. You often watch them and think they are profoundly strange.

“They started under the banner of alternative comedy but when they moved to BBC One in the 1980s they saw no reason why they should tone down the act or constrain themselves.”

Joanna Lumley, who starred in Absolutely Fabulous, said: “It is brilliant news. I obviously know them and adore them and I can’t think of anyone more worthy of the honour.”

The Bafta TV Awards take place on Sunday, 26 April and will air on BBC One.