SOAP & GLORY
Gongs for Corrie’s Helen Worth and Antony Cotton, Clare Balding and MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace
CORONATION Street royalty Helen Worth said it was “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.
Her co-star Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully was also awarded an MBE.
Sports presenter Clare Balding and MasterChef hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace picked up gongs as well, along with singer Bonnie Tyler and Rapman – aka Andrew Onwubolu.
Cobbles veteran Helen said: “To be honoured for doing something I have enjoyed so much for so many years is truly wonderful
“And I am particularly delighted to receive this award in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year.”
Since first appearing in 1974, her character has gone on to endure a rollercoaster love life on screen – suffering an affair and the deaths of four of her five husbands. And John Whiston, ITV’s head of continuing drama, praised Helen’s enduring excellence.
He said: “She has been on the show nearly 50 years. And yet 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 son or poignantly summing up an emotive moment.”
Antony, 46, said he was “completely overwhelmed” by his honour in recognition for services to the British Army, personnel and veterans. He is an ambassador for military charity the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and a patron of Help For Heroes, and worked with the Army on its mental health training scheme. He said: “Working with our amazing armed forces has truly been the greatest honour of my life.” MasterChef double-act John and Gregg were also served up MBEs with former greengrocer Gregg, 57, saying it felt like a “fairytale”.
Australian-born John, 56, said he was “thrilled, humbled and very grateful” to have been recognised along with his pal.
Sports broadcaster Clare said it was a “prestigious honour” to be made a CBE. The 51-year-old added: “It is a bit overwhelming to be recognised for doing things I enjoy so much.”
London hip-hop artist, actor and film director Rapman, 32, was made an MBE for services to drama and music
Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie, 70, received the same gong.
She said: “To be recognised for that in this way is very significant to me.”
Fashion designer Stella McCartney, 50, was honoured with a CBE as was Billions actor Damian Lewis, 51.
During Covid lockdowns, Damian and his late wife Helen McCrory supported Feed NHS, which gave food from restaurants to NHS staff.
DURING her glorious 70-year reign, the Queen has thrilled the public at thousands of events across the UK.
From school lunches to hospices, RAF bases to market stalls and greeting people on village, town and city streets, the Queen has met young and old. So as we all celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, here are some of your most cherished memories of meeting Her Majesty. sanjeeta.bains@mirror.co.uk @SanjeetaBains