Lenny Henry 'very chuffed' after revealing he is set to receive knighthood

The comedian is to be named on the Queen's birthday honours

Lenny Henry said more diversity is needed in the British media (Getty)

Lenny Henry will become "Sir Henry" after he confirmed he will be named on the Queen's birthday honours.

Speaking on Chris Evans' BBC Radio 2 programme, Henry said that his mother would have been very proud, and added that he was chuffed - despite the news not having been officially announced by the palace.

Henry joked: "I'm being pummelled from all sides by my family, saying: 'Do we get some land? Do we get a castle now? Do we get 100 men in plate armour following us around Dudley?'"

He added: "I'm very pleased. And my mum would have loved it.

"It is a wonderful thing and my family are really, really chuffed. My friends have not stopped ringing up and saying congratulations. It is an extraordinary thing and I'm very chuffed."

The comedian spoke of his surprise at the honour. "It's not something you think about really when you grow up in Dudley," he said. "But it's a fantastic thing."

The full list of honours is to be formally announced on Friday. Henry was awarded a CBE in 1999.

Henry is known for his work as a stand-up comic and actor, and for his work with charity Comic Relief. He co-founded the initiative in 1985, and the charity has since raised over £1 billion.