Australian comedy performer Barry Humphries has won the title of Australian of the Year in the UK.

He opened his acceptance speech by quoting Rupert Murdoch's comments in front of a British parliamentary committee on phone hacking last year.

"This is the most humble day of my life," he said.

After mocking Prime Minister Julia Gillard's voice and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd's first name, Humphries revealed he had an inkling he was up for the award.

"I had a friend very high up in the world of media who has been tapping the phones in Australia House for many years," he said.

"He told me... I can't tell you his name, he is married to a Chinese girl.

"He said it was between me and Julian Assange and it turned out to be me."

The legendary Australian comedy performer, well known for his alter ego Dame Edna, collects the award after a theatre career spanning almost 50 years.

He joked that Edna will be jealous he won the accolade and not her.

"Well it's about time really I think," he said.

He was honoured at a ceremony at Australia House in London.

"I used to come here to read the Women's Weekly," he said as he accepted the award.

Humphries, 77, already holds the titles Officer of the Order of Australia and Commander of the Order of the British Empire, both for services to the theatre.

UK wine writer Matthew Jukes won the award of Honorary Australian of the Year and the award of Young Australian of the Year went to fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell.

Humphries Named Australian Of The Year In UK