Michael Palin dedicates Special Recognition award to Terry Jones in emotional NTAs tribute

Sir Michael Palin paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague as he dedicated his Special Recognition Award to the late Terry Jones at Tuesdays' National Television Awards.

After the gong was awarded to the actor and presenter by Joanna Lumley, he used the opportunity to dedicate it to Jones, who died last week at the age of 77.

"I want to dedicate this award to someone who taught me more about television than anyone else, my friend and erstwhile Python, Terry Jones," he shared.

Read more: Terry Jones’ best lines from Monty Python

Palin reflected on Jones' work ethic, noting: "Terry always worked to get something right and he had a skill at being very ruthless but also charming at the same time."

After thanking others who had helped him throughout his career, he said: "Most of all, to the man without whom I might not be here tonight at all, my dear friend of 60 years, Terry Jones."

Jones' death was announced last week after the performer had battled with dementia for a number of years.

In the wake of his death, Palin appeared in a tearful interview with the BBC where he described Jones as a "wonderful companion".

He shared: "I shall miss the sociable Terry - sorry - I just miss putting my arm around him and having a drink.

"He was just a wonderful companion, a terrific man and I shall miss our trips to the bar, I'll miss our pints and I shall miss our sessions putting the world to rights."

Palin and Jones first met at Oxford University in 1962 before performing together for the first time at the Edinburgh Festival in 1964.

They formed Monty Python along with Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, John Cleese and Graham Chapman, who died in 1989.