Writing award to commemorate Barker
Ronnie Barker is to be commemorated at the British Comedy Awards with a prize named in his honour.
The star of The Two Ronnies and Porridge died in October, aged 76.
The Ronnie Barker Writer of the Year Award has been named in his memory.
His comedy partner of 40 years, Ronnie Corbett, will present the award at this year’s ceremony on December 14.
Barker’s widow Joy said she was “very proud” to see him honoured in such a way.
“I know Ronnie would have been delighted by having the British Comedy Writer of the Year Award named after him.
“Throughout his career he thought writers were so important and were to be encouraged,” she said.
The 16th annual awards will be screened live on ITV1.
Ricky Gervais’s comedy Extras has a record five nominations, including best comedy, best actor and best actress.
Other shows in the running include Little Britain, The Catherine Tate Show and Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
