Leslie Phillips awarded Freedom of London

The veteran actor is renowned for his roles in several Carry On movies, and has also appeared in Empire of the Sun, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and The Jackal. He has also received a BAFTA award nomination, and was appointed a CBE – Commander of the British Empire – in 2008.

To celebrate his 60th year in the industry, Leslie will be honoured in a ceremony at Guildhall in the British capital on Tuesday November 16.

“It is a great privilege to be honoured in this way by the City of London. I am a Londoner born and bred and have lived and worked in this fine city for many decades,” Leslie said. “I am proud to be part of the cultural fabric of London and to feel as though I have contributed to the entertainment of our millions of inhabitants. I am looking forward to taking my oath and joining this elite group of ladies and gentlemen.”

The Freedom of the City of London is given to individuals who have had a huge impact on the UK capital, or those whose careers are worth celebrating. People are also allowed to apply for it or can be nominated by others, and it was first presented in 1237.