Thrilled Dame Emma pledges ‘I will carry on being difficult’

OSCAR-WINNING actress Emma Thompson has become a Dame and said it was a “huge honour” sharing the award with remarkable women in the 100th anniversary year of women’s suffrage. Dame Emma, 59, who starred in The Remains Of The Day and Nanny McPhee, said: “It’s a huge honour to be sharing this massive pat on the back with other women in so many other professions and walks of life. I’ve always wanted to be able to refer to myself as a dame. Small D. Dame with a capital D is even more thrilling.

“I was, however, disappointed it didn’t come with a castle. I plan to go on being very difficult, just in case anyone was wondering if it might shut me up.”

She received her honour for services to Emma Thompson, Monty Don and Bamber Gascoigne receive honours drama. Meanwhile broadcaster and writer Bamber Gascoigne was awarded a CBE for services to the arts.

The 83-year-old presenter is best known for his 25-year stint on University Challenge. He has also written a number of books including Murgatoyd’s Empire, a satirical novel about an entrepreneur who discovers an island of pygmies, and Quest For The Golden Hare, a 1983 account of the search for Kit Williams’ solid gold hare pendant.

Gascoigne runs an online encyclopaedia HistoryWorld that seeks to make world history more accessible.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don, 62, was honoured with an OBE for services to horticulture, broadcasting and

charity.