Rock on, Sir Tommy: ‘fairy tale’ for Britain’s Elvis

HE WAS Britain’s answer to Elvis Presley and arguably this country’s first home-grown rock star.

More than 60 years after his first chart hit, the musician Tommy Steele has said he feels like he is living in a “showbusiness fairy story” after receiving a knighthood.

The 83-year-old, honoured for services to entertainment and charity, was born Thomas Hicks in Bermondsey, London, and had his first number one in 1957 with Singing The Blues, before going on to enjoy a varied career in acting and sculpture.

Recalling his career yesterday, he said: “It sounds like a blinking fairy story and I suppose it is. It’s a showbusiness fairy story.” Other names from the entertainment world honoured today include David Suchet, the actor perhaps best known for his upturned moustache while playing Hercule Poirot during the long-running television series based on Agatha Christie’s stories.

Suchet, 74, is knighted for services to drama and charity after a career spanning more than half a century. His interpretation of Poirot, t he Belgian super-sleuth, is considered by many to be definitive, though he once admitted that the famous moustache was stuck on by make-up artists.

Meanwhile, the actress Maureen Lipman spoke of her pride at becoming a dame for services to charity, entertainment and the arts. Her lengthy CV includes everything from a comedy turn in a BT advert to a supporting role in an Oscar-winning drama. She said:

“My grandfather was given the freedom to live and work in the historic and welcoming city of Hull after fleeing persecution in Russia.

“It is a wonderful reflection on what, one trusts, is the continuing generosity of this country to the immigrant. So, gratefully, happy birthday your Majesty and thank you.”

Jeff Lynne, the co-founder of The Electric Light Orchestra, has been made an OBE for services to music. “To be recognised for my work is an extraordinary privilege,” the 72-year-old said.

Other musicians to receive gongs include the singer Joan Armatrading and the rapper Dizzee Rascal.

Meanwhile, the television presenter Lorraine Kelly said she was “humbled” to have been made a CBE for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.