New gongs please!
Honour for Emma... and 007, Lumley and Whitty
CHrIS Whitty was yesterday tipped for a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list, which is also set to recognise teenage tennis star Emma raducanu and James Bond actor Daniel Craig.
The chief medical officer for England is expected to become Sir Chris in recognition of his work at the forefront of Britain’s response to the pandemic. He was previously honoured for his work during the ebola crisis.
Miss raducanu, 19, is expected to be given an MBE after winning the US Open in September and becoming the youngest Briton to secure a grand slam title.
Earlier this month she was voted BBC Sports Personality of the
‘Seal of approval from the Queen’
Year award but had to accept the accolade from self-isolation after testing positive for Covid. The honours panel is said to have been unsure about recognising the teenager but the Queen reportedly gave her seal of approval.
Gareth Southgate’s England team could also be honoured for reaching this year’s Euro 2020 final at Wembley, only to lose to Italy on penalties.
Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley was tipped for a damehood for her campaigning on behalf of the Gurkhas, as well as her work in television and film.
Miss Lumley, 75, won an OBE in 1995 and described receiving the honour in a recent interview, saying: ‘You don’t remember much except for the beating heart when you walk up and step forward and step back and you’re trying to get all that right.’
Bond movie producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, is also expected to be made a dame while actor Craig has been tipped for an award usually reserved for spies and diplomats.
The 53-year-old is believed to be in line for a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George – the honour given to James Bond in the Ian Fleming novels.
A CMG is an unusual honour for an actor to receive because it is normally given to those who have performed extraordinary or important services abroad.
Former Spice Girl Mel B, 46, is expected to receive an MBE for her campaign work for victims of domestic violence. She is a patron of the Women’s Aid charity and has spoken about her own experience of abuse.
Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway has been rumoured to receive an honour in recognition of her 32-year broadcasting career. The 54-year-old won plaudits for a documentary about her husband Derek Draper’s battle to recover from Covid.
Other pandemic-related honours are expected to be given to Professor Whitty’s deputy, Jonathan VanTam, and other public servants who have led the nation’s response. Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance could be in line for a further honour. He was knighted in 2019 for services to science.
Honours are also expected for doctors, nurses and some of the thousands of volunteers who have helped in the vaccination rollout.
The full New Year’s Honours list is expected to be announced on Friday.