The King’s Birthday Honours were announced on Friday, June 12, with a number of British icons receiving their flowers – some for the first time.
Emmerdale actress and former I’m A Celebrity star Lisa Riley has received an MBE for her services to drama, and for her charity work.
Talking to PA, she revealed this was a hugely exciting gift before her 50th birthday in July: “Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is.
“To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it could ever be.”
5View 5 ImagesLisa Riley is best known for playing Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, but has also appeared in dramas such as Waterloo Road, Three Girls and Fat Friends (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
5View 5 ImagesThe soap star first appeared as Mandy from 1995 until 2001, and made a full-time comeback to the role in 2019(Image: ITV)
Helen Mirren, who has been a Dame since 2003 after being awarded a DBE for services to drama, has also now been made a Companion of Honour for services to drama. There are only 65 Companions of Honour at any one time..
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi also became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to music and charity.
He said of the award: “What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE. It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years.”
14 years after first receiving her MBE in 2014, BBC Radio 6 DJ and musician Cerys Matthews became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to music.
TV presenter Anneka Rice has also been made an MBE for her services to charity and broadcasting. The star is most famous for her TV series Challenge Anneka, which aired from 1989 to 1995 and was briefly revived in 2023. The show saw her take on various challenges, often to raise money for charity.
5View 5 ImagesAnneka Rice has also received an award(Image: Getty Images)
5View 5 ImagesTony Iommi is best known as a member of Black Sabbath (Image: Getty Images)
The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson and Noughts and Crosses author Malorie Blackman both received damehoods for their services to literature.
Dame Julia overtook Harry Potter creator JK Rowling as the UK’s best-selling author last year, and said of the award: “Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise. It’s really gratifying to have children’s books recognised in this way.”
Businessman Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix ’s Bank Of Dave film, was made an OBE for services to finance, business and charity. He told PA the honour was “wonderful” and “unbelievable”.
The co-founders of the Academy Award-winning animation studio behind beloved characters such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, Aardman, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity.
Sir David Sproxton and Sir Peter Lord, founded the studio together more than 50 years ago and said the recognition from the King was an ‘utter surprise’.
“We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise – to be recognised in this way,” the duo said in a statement. “As we accept these awards, we humbly bow and salute all of those who have joined us on this extraordinary journey.”
The many names on the Honours list also including six of the European Championship-winning Lionesses including Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo, Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury who earned a CBE, and Rugby league great Kevin Sinfield.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.
“Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others. It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.”
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