Dame Babs, Blur star, AP McCoy, Carl Frampton and Ronnie O’Sullivan lead celebrity names recognised in New Year Honours list

Famous names of stage and screen are among those recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Dame Barbara Windsor has been recognised in the New Year Honours list. Picture: Andrew McCaren/Ross Parry.Dame Barbara Windsor has been recognised in the New Year Honours list. Picture: Andrew McCaren/Ross Parry.
Dame Barbara Windsor has been recognised in the New Year Honours list. Picture: Andrew McCaren/Ross Parry.

Joining leading British actresses Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren as Dames are Barbara Windsor and Siân Phillips.

EastEnders and former Carry On star Dame Barbara, known as “Babs”, said it was “truly like a dream”.

The 78-year-old said she was “very honoured, proud and extremely humbled” to be recognised for services to charity and entertainment.

Luther star Idris Elba has been made an OBE for services to drama.Luther star Idris Elba has been made an OBE for services to drama.
Luther star Idris Elba has been made an OBE for services to drama.

Dame Siân, aged 82, a BAFTA best actress award winner for her role in I, Claudius, said she was “deeply honoured” for be recognised for services to drama.

Also recognised for services to drama is Luther star Idris Elba.

The 43-year-old Londoner, made an OBE, said: “Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other. But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

In the world of music, Goldie and Blur frontman Damon Albarn are among those recognised.

Musician Damon Albarn, frontman of famous British band Blur, has been made an OBE for services to music.Musician Damon Albarn, frontman of famous British band Blur, has been made an OBE for services to music.
Musician Damon Albarn, frontman of famous British band Blur, has been made an OBE for services to music.

Albarn, a singer-songwriter, composer and musician, is made an OBE for services to music.

Goldie, real name Clifford Price, is made an MBE for his contribution to the music, TV and film industries and his work with a number of charities.

He said: “I turned 50 in September and I’ve always felt there’s more work to do.”

Veteran broadcaster Martyn Lewis dedicated his knighthood to the “thousands of inspirational people in the voluntary sector”.

Sir Tony McCoy has been knighted for services to horse racing. Picture: Marie Caley.Sir Tony McCoy has been knighted for services to horse racing. Picture: Marie Caley.
Sir Tony McCoy has been knighted for services to horse racing. Picture: Marie Caley.

Th 70-year-old has become a prolific charity campaigner since retiring from the nation’s TV screens in 1999.

Leading the sporting awards is former retired jockey AP McCoy, who receives a knighthood.

The horse racing star, now known as Sir Anthony, called it an “unbelievable privilege” after being honoured in recognition of his incredible racing career.

The 41-year-old, from Northern Ireland, retired from racing in April after being crowned champion jockey for the 20th consecutive year.

Snooker star Ronnie “the Rocket” O’Sullivan, former England rugby union ace Mark Cueto and boxer Carl Frampton are also recognised.

Five-time world champion O’Sullivan is made an OBE for services to the sport.

The 40-year-old said: “It came as a great surprise to receive my OBE and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my family, friends and fans who have supported me throughout my career and made this achievement possible.”

Northern Ireland’s Frampton and former British Lions winger Cueto are both made MBEs, for services to boxing and rugby respectively.

Other famous names honoured include Falklands veteran turned charity campaigner Simon Weston, who has been made a CBE.

Also made a CBE is Ann Summers tycoon Jacqueline Gold, for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.

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