Stars of the entertainment world have been rewarded for their work by the Queen in her annual New Year honours list. Top of the list is veteran radio presenter Jimmy Young, who has received a knighthood to crown his half-century of broadcasting for the BBC. “I’m deeply honoured and I am indeed most grateful,” said the 80-year-old presenter last night. “This is an enormous honour and one that I share with five million listeners.”
Other famous faces due to collect a gong from her majesty include top pop combo The Bee Gees, who have been awarded a CBE each, sultry soul singer Sade, who receives an OBE, and opera diva Lesley Garrett, who also becomes a Commander of the British Empire.
One of Britain’s Hollywood success stories, Alan Parker, director of The Commitments and current chairman of the Film Council, receives a knighthood, as does actor Ben Kingsley, who won an Oscar for his role in Gandhi. Lynn Redgrave, of the famous acting dynasty, is honoured with an OBE, alongside fellow actress Miriam Margolyes.
But it is not just the rich and famous who have been awarded the honours – Consul General Thomas Harris, who dealt with the traumatic events in New York on September 11, is to be knighted. Members of his team, including consul Ian Gibbons, vice-consul Ian Baines, and US staff Megan McDowell and Kara Frasse, have all been given MBEs.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
