Ab-Fab star Joanna Lumley honoured for services to drama in New Year Honours list
AB-FAB star Joanna Lumley is one of dozens of celebs landing a top gong from the world of showbiz in the New Years Honours.
The actress, 75, known for her role as outrageously boozy Patsy Stone in the 90s sitcom has been honoured for services to drama, entertainment and charitable causes.
She said she was “astonished and thrilled and touched beyond words to receive this colossal honour” adding “It comes as a complete and unexpected surprise, and is the kindest and most beautiful present imaginable."
Acclaimed actress Vanessa Redgrave, 84 was also made a dame for her services to drama - which has spanned six decades.
She said: "I'm surprised and grateful to join this wondrous group of British artists whose work has inspired me and audiences the world over.
"My generation fought for freedom of expression. Long may this remain."
Songwriter Bernie Taupin, best known for his long-running collaboration with Sir Elton John, was also made a CBE for writing lyrics for some of the singer's greatest hits including Rocketman, Tiny Dancer and Candle In The Wind.
TV presenter Kate Garraway has been made an MBE after documenting her husband Derek Draper's battle with coronavirus.
Kate 54, has been recognised for her hard-hitting documentary Finding Derek about her family's struggle to get her husband home from hospital after his battle with Covid.
Among other winners was the Spice Girl’s Mel B, 46 who gets an MBE for helping domestic violence charities. or Scary Spice, was named in the New Year Honours for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women.
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Chain-smoking June Brown - who played Eastenders favourite Dot Cotton, has been made an OBE, along with Corrie legend William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow.
The veteran actress June said: "Thank you for the award. It is a great honour and I would like to thank Her Majesty, and all those involved in my recommendation."
Corrie star Roache, 89, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving TV soap star in the world said: "I'm delighted to be receiving an OBE as it's such a wonderful honour.
"I can't tell you how proud I am!"
Dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo has said he is "humbled and extremely proud" to have been made an MBE following a year in which he became a spokesman for issues around racial equality.
The 33-year-old Diversity star delivered a headline-grabbing routine on Britain’s Got Talent in support of Black Lives Matter.
He said: "It really is the ultimate accolade. It's something I never saw coming and for my mum and dad to see this moment means the world."
Other winners include author Anthony Horowitz who has been made a CBE, Aussie comedian Adam Hills, 51, who has been made an MBE and veteran broadcaster Moira Stuart who also got a CBE.
The 72-year-old, who was the first African-Caribbean woman to read the news on British television said: "I'm so moved and lifted by this recognition of my work.
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"No it hasn't been easy, but this magnificent honour means so much to me, and I shall cherish it always."
Loose Women star and acid attack survivor Katie Piper was also made an OBE.
