New Year Honours 2018: Praise for Stars on List
Those listed in the British New Year Honours have been praised, with Sir Paul McCartney congratulating “best drummer, best pal” Ringo Starr on his award.
The Beatles drummer joins Bee Gee Barry Gibb in being knighted, while Strictly judge Darcey Bussell is made a dame.
Musical writer Sir Tim Rice said Sir Ringo’s honour was “most overdue” and hailed Sir Barry’s “staggering gifts”.
Dame Darcey is “an incredible ambassador for dance”, choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne said. Former Royal Ballet principal Dame Darcey, said she was “truly humbled”.
Sir Barry also said he felt “humbled and very proud” about his knighthood for services to music and charity.
Made a CBE in 2002 alongside his late brothers and Bee Gees bandmates, Maurice and Robin, Sir Barry said: “It is as much theirs as it is mine.”
Sir Ringo’s honour for services to music - given under his real name, Richard Starkey - comes 20 years after Paul McCartney was knighted, and adds to the 1965 MBE received by all four Beatles.
The Los Angeles-based musician said: “It’s great! It’s an honour and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love. Peace and love.”
There are 1123 people named on the main honours list issued by the Cabinet Office, with 70% recognised for work in their communities in a voluntary or paid capacity.
Officials said future lists would see honours for “inspirational action” by people following the Grenfell Tower fire and the terror attacks in London and Manchester. With one of the highest honours, Helen Sharman joins the Order of St Michael and St George - 26 years after becoming the first British astronaut with her journey to the Soviet Mir Space Station.
Her new CMG is for services to education in science and technology. There is also a CBE for Prof Michele Dougherty from Imperial College, London, a member of the Cassini mission to Saturn.
In other areas, Alexandra Shulman, who recently stood down as editor of British Vogue after 25 years; actor Hugh Laurie; and leading artificial intelligence researcher Demis Hassabis are made CBEs.