Comedy icon Ronnie Corbett 'was being considered for a knighthood' before death
OFFICIALS were considering honouring comedy legend Ronnie Corbett with a knighthood, according to reports.
Ronnie Corbett was reportedly going to be given a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours
It is understood many famous names backed a campaign for the Two Ronnies star to become Sir Ronnie in the Queen's 90th Birthday honours.
The comedian passed away yesterday, aged 85, and have become one of Britain's most popular entertainers.
The Daily Telegraph have reported that fellow comedian David Walliams led the discreet campaign to see Ronnie knighted after years of protests from fans that he has been repeatedly overlooked.
Yesterday, David described Ronnie as his "comedy idol" as he tweeted: "Goodbye my friend and comedy idol. Thank you for all the laughs.
Ronnie Corbett: 1930-2016.mp4
Ronnie had previously made a CBE in 2012
He was part of the most popular entertainment duo The Two Ronnies
And Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who sits on the that the panel that bestows the titles, said: "He should have been awarded a knighthood."
According to reports, Ronnie was unaware that he was being considered for a knighthood.
The actor had been previously honoured when he was awarded an OBE then in 2012 he was made CBE.
Ronnie passed away on Thursday aged 85
The Two Ronnies were awarded an OBE in 1978
However he never expected to be knighted. Speaking in 2011 about his chances, he said: "I don't imagine I will get one, to be honest.
"There are others who are, perhaps, in line before me."
He added that he believed his Two Ronnies co-star, Ronnie Barker, who died in 2005 should have received one.
Ronnie commented: "Ronnie Barker really ought to have got one. But, then, there are many who did not live to receive one. Tommy Cooper is another example."