A Knighthood For Ken Dodd

Congratulations Sir Ken, the honour is richly deserved. And many thanks to all those This England readers who supported our campaign: your many nominations clearly influenced the decision to give Ken a knighthood.

At last, at the age of 89, and following a campaign by This

England (see the Summer 2015 issue), comedy genius and superb all-round entertainer Ken Dodd was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours List. In true Doddy style, Ken, the “King of Knotty Ash” who has been exercising the nation’s chuckle muscles for more than 60 years and continues to perform to packed houses, said he was “tickled and full of plumtiousness” at the honour (for services to entertainment and charity). As well as being one of the greatest stand-up comedians our country has ever produced, Ken has also enjoyed a successful recording career and his 1965 hit “Tears” remains one of the best-selling records of all time.