GONGS FOR STARS OF STAGE AND SPORT, PLUS POLITICIANS
HOUSEHOLD names from the worlds of showbiz, sport and politics have been recognised alongside a glittering array of figures from the arts, sciences and charity in the New Year Honours list.
British-born Australian songstress Olivia Newton-John is made a dame for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment, while critically acclaimed director Sam Mendes gets a knighthood for his contribution to drama.
From politics, Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith, the architect of the controversial Universal Credit system, is knighted alongside colleague Bob Neill.
Elsewhere, England’s cricketing heroes, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, are also recognised.
Mendes, who has directed two Bond films as well as multiple theatre productions, said he was “amazed, delighted and extremely proud”. He said “I have stood on the shoulders of so many collaborators and colleagues over the last 30 years – actors, writers, designers, producers, technicians – to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. I would not be receiving this honour without them.”
Grease star Newton-John, who moved to
Australia with her family as a five-year-old, said: “I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me. As a girl born in Cambridge, I am very proud of my British ancestry and so appreciative to be recognised in this way by the United Kingdom.”
D-Day veteran Harry Billinge is made an MBE for services to charitable fundraising.
Cricket features heavily after England’s first men’s Cricket World Cup victory.
Stokes will be given an OBE. One-day international captain Eoin Morgan gets a CBE and teammates Root and Jos Buttler are given MBEs.
Entertainment is well represented, with 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen receiving a knighthood for services to film.
Several musicians have also made the prestigious list, including Billy Ocean, 69, who gets an MBE for services to music.
Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody is made an OBE for services to music and charity after he founded the Lightbody Foundation, which gives annual donations to charities across the country.
Michael Prendergast, of Merseybeat group The Searchers, gets an MBE, while Peter Saville, the man behind the Joy Division album cover for Unknown Pleasures, is made a CBE for services to design.
Culinary household names Ainsley Harriott and Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain receive MBEs, while chef and author Nigel Slater gets an OBE.
Holocaust survivors Mindu Hornick and John Hajdu get an MBE for services to Holocaust education and commemoration.
Conservationist and TV presenter Steve Backshall gets an MBE. Actress and Playschool presenter Floella Benjamin, Baroness of Beckenham, is made a dame for services to charity.