Jason, now 63, began his career in 1967

He will receive a fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) at the academy's TV awards ceremony on Sunday, the Radio Times has revealed.

Jason's 35-year career has made him one of the best-loved personalities on the UK's small screen.

As well as playing wheeler dealer Del Boy, he has also had hits with sitcom Open All Hours and detective drama A Touch of Frost.

He will receive the honour at the biggest awards night in UK TV at the London Palladium.

Only Fools and Horses first hit screens in 1981

His career began in 1967 on comedy Do Not Adjust Your Set alongside Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, who went on to form Monty Python.

He almost got a part in Dad's Army, but his big break came in 1976 when he starred in Open All Hours alongside Ronnie Barker.

Only Fools and Horses, which started in 1981, went on to become the most popular comedy show of its time, and he has also appeared in The Darling Buds Of May, All The King's Men and Quest.

In October 2002, he was named most popular comedy performer for the third year in a row at the National Television Awards.

Jason told the Radio Times: "I have so many people that come up to me and the nice thing is they shake my hand and say, 'Thank you for giving me so many laughs over the years.'

"That, I have to admit, is one of the greatest rewards."

Bafta fellowships have recently gone to acting legend Sir John Mills, Oscar-winner Dame Judi Dench and late Inspector Morse star John Thaw.