Stephen Fry’s career will be celebrated with a one-hour television special on BBC Two this Christmas.

In Stephen Fry: A Life on Screen, colleagues and friends will talk candidly about their relationship with the popular screen personality.

During the show, viewers will be treated to footage of Stephen’s early days with the Cambridge Footlights drama club.

Stephen Fry poses for photographers
Stephen Fry poses for photographers (John Phillips)

The programme will also reflect on his many successes in film, drama and comedy – alongside Hugh Laurie, Ben Elton and many others.

The erudite star was among a wave of comedians who broke out of the Alternative Comedy scene of the 1980s.

He went on to establish himself as a household name with BBC comedy show A Bit of Fry and Laurie, alongside frequent collaborator Laurie.

Best known for TV series including Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster, he can currently be heard as the voice of Colonel K in the new CBBC series of Danger Mouse.

The 58-year-old recently announced his decision to step down as host of BBC Two quiz show QI after 13 years in the role.

He is set to receive the Rose d’Or Award for Lifetime Achievement at a London ceremony next month.

Pinki Chambers, commissioning editor for BBC Entertainment, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the life and works of Stephen Fry, who has contributed so much to the BBC as well as the entertainment world at large.

“This warm-hearted programme documents his wonderful achievements and it is the perfect festive treat.”