Scottish comedian, actor and all-round patter merchant Billy Connolly is to receive this year's Special Recognition Award at the 21st National Television Awards.

Connolly, whose revered brand of mischievous Glaswegian repartee has entertained audiences for 50 years, is to be presented with the gong by his long-standing friend Dustin Hoffman.

Hoffman, jetting in from Los Angeles for the occasion, will join a raft of co-stars, friends and fans looking to honour the beloved stand-up - many of whom have pre-recorded tributes to congratulate him on his award.

Writer, producer and broadcaster Armando Iannuncci applauded the decision to commemorate Connolly's career, given the consistently high quality of his output over the decades and the reach of his comedic influence.

He said: "It's unbelievable and yet no surprise that we're celebrating 50 years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn't compromise, because he doesn't fit a label, he has no shelf life, he's not part of a phase.

"He's unique. You can't really sum him up. The only way you can explain him to someone is by saying, just try and imagine Billy Connolly."

You can see Billy Connolly receive his award by tuning into the National Television Awards on STV at 7.30pm on Wednesday January 20.