It has been announced that Hugh Laurie will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival's awards this August.

The Blackadder and A Bit Of Fry & Laurie star will be honoured for his work as an actor across the many TV shows he's starred in.

Ahead of receiving the award, the festival will also honour Laurie's career with a special 'In Conversation With...' event.
The organisers say of the planned interview: "From one half of comedy double act Fry & Laurie to a film career and the phenomenal success of award-winning US medical drama House, and BBC One's The Night Manager, the conversation will offer delegates an insight into his career, his experiences and influences in this fascinating session."

Talking about the awards news, CEO and festival director Lisa Campbell says: "Hugh Laurie resonates with so many generations of TV viewers - for some it's George in Blackadder, for others it's Jeeves, Dr Gregory House or Richard Onslow Roper in The Night Manager - to name a few. It's a phenomenally diverse range of iconic shows for one man to be across from so many different genres - he's brilliant and I'm thrilled he's coming to the Festival - not just to receive his award but also so we can hear from the man himself about his career highlights so far."

Executive chair Graham Stuart adds: "Hugh Laurie has only ever been on the best shows on television and now he's coming to the Edinburgh Television Festival. We look forward to celebrating a star of great taste and style at the biggest television industry event of the year."

Previous recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Awards include Michael Palin and comedy producer Beryl Vertue.

The Edinburgh TV Awards will be presented on Thursday 22nd August.