Corrie queen leads cast of celeb awards
JUBILEE HONOURS: ARTS, SHOWBIZ AND SPORT
CORONATION Street royalty Helen Worth said it is “truly wonderful” to be made an MBE as she led a Weatherfield double in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The 71-year-old, who has played Gail Platt for almost 48 years, was recognised for her services to drama.
Co-star Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, was also awarded an MBE.
Sports presenter Clare Balding, ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand and MasterChef’s John Torode and Gregg Wallace were also honoured.
Cobbles queen Helen said: “To be honoured for doing something I have enjoyed so much for so many years is truly wonderful.”
Since 1974 Gail has had an affair and seen four of her five husbands die.
John Whiston, ITV’s head of continuing drama said: “Every time she appears the screen lights up, whether that’s scrapping with Eileen in the street, fending off a homicidal husband, sparring with her disrespectful son or poignantly summing up an emotive moment.”
Cotton, 46, said he was “completely overwhelmed” by his gong for services to British Army personnel and veterans. He is an ambassador for military charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and a patron of Help For Heroes. He also worked alongside the British Army on its mental health and resilience training programme. Former greengrocer Gregg Wallace, 57, now an MBE, said it felt like “something akin to a fairytale story”. Aussieborn John Torode, 56, was “thrilled, humbled and very grateful” at his MBE. Broadcaster Clare Balding was made a CBE, and the TV and radio star, 51, said it was a “prestigious honour”. Ferdinand has been given the OBE for his activism and charity work. Band of Brothers actor Damian Lewis, 51, and Stella McCartney has been made a CBE. Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie Tyler, 70, has been made an MBE, for her services to music.