New Year’s Honours list 2017 odds – from Andy Murray to JK Rowling, who is in with a chance of a knighthood and damehood?
OUTSTANDING Brits are soon to be recognised in the New Year's Honours list.
Those who have achieved extraordinary work in public life will be praised when the winners are finally revealed at the end of December.
But what is the New Year's Honours and who is preparing to be awarded for their efforts?
What is the New Year's Honours?
Since 1890 the start of a new year is always marked with honouring people for their exceptional achievement or service.
They are usually awarded for making life better for other people or being outstanding at what they do while serving Britain.
The British honours system is overseen by the Cabinet Office Honours and Appointments Secretariat.
Nominations are sent in either by government departments or by members of the public.
They are then organised into subject areas before being judged by committees of experts and senior civil servants.
A selection committee will then produce a list, independently of the government, before sending it to the Prime Minister and then to the Queen, who awards the honour.
Her Majesty will then approve the list and letters are sent to each nominee.
Only when the nominee accepts the proposed honour, that the list is formally approved.
In August PM Theresa May vowed to end the “gongs for mates” culture her predecessor David Cameron was accused of promoting.
She said she was determined to “do things differently” amid fears that public faith in the honours system is being destroyed.
What different honours are awarded?
There are many different kinds of honours including knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to servicemen and women, and civilians.
Here is a more in-depth look:
- Companion of Honour
You may receive this if you have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time. - Knight/Dame
This is awarded for having a major contribution in any activity, most likely on a national scale, which "inspirational and significant". - Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at national level, or a leading role at a regional level. - Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
This is awarded to those who have had a major local role in any activity. - Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. - British Empire Medal (BEM)
Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference. - Overseas Territories Police and Fire Service Medals
Given for service in British Overseas Territories. - Royal Victorian Order (RVO)
An award given by the Queen - usually to people who have helped her personally, like members of the Royal household staff or British ambassadors. - The George Cross
First level civilian medal for bravery: for acts of heroism and courage in extreme danger. - The George Medal
Second level civilian medal for bravery: for acts of great bravery. - The Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Third level civilian medal for bravery: for inspiring acts of bravery. - The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air
For risk to life. - The orders
The committee will choose which order someone should be a member of.
It includes: Order of the Bath Senior civil servants and military officers, order of St Michael and St George Diplomats and people serving the UK abroad, order of the British Empire Anyone, Companion of Honour, Royal Victorian Order People who have served the Queen or the Monarchy in a personal way.
Civilian gallantry awards recognise bravery by people who have attempted to or saved the life of a British citizen who isn’t a family member or close friend.
Nominations are judged on the "degree of risk" and how aware the nominee was of the ";danger persistence".
Can you have an honour taken away?
People can lose their Honours if they have done something to damage the honours system’s reputation.
Taking an honour away is called ‘forfeiture’.
An honour can be removed if the person is:
1. Sentenced to prison for at least 3 months for a criminal offence
2. Censured or struck off by a professional or regulatory body for something directly relevant to their honour
There have been calls for Sir Phillip Green to lose his knighthood following the collapse of high street giant BHS after he sold it to a serial bankrupt for £1.
Who is tipped for an honour this year?
Team GB’s golden couple Jason and Laura Kenny are due to become the stars of the annual New Year’s Honours list.
Although the cycling couple both already have OBEs, they’re apparently set to be awarded “something big” in the list.
Laura is now odds on at 3/1 to be made a dame.
While JK Rowling 5/1 and Clare Balding's (16/1) have also been touted.
The outrank favourite is X Factor finalist Honey G at 5000/1.
The men who are potentially bringing in the New Year with a knighthood are Strictly Come Dancing's
Len Goodman, former Prime Minister David Cameron, ex-Ukip and leader Nigel Farage.
The dark horse for a knighthood is sacked England manager Big Sam Allardyce at 5000/1.
While favourite to scoop the respected honour is Tennis champ Andy Murray at 1/10 after following up his second Wimbledon title with Gold in Rio.
Who was honoured last year?
Champion jump jockey, AP McCoy was honoured with a knighthood.
Sue Barker, sports commentator, was given an OBE.
Actor Idris Elba was awarded on OBE.
Sports broadcaster, Jacqui Oatley, received an MBE.
When will we know who has received an honour?
New Year's Honours list 2016 was published on the website on December 30, 2015.
The latest awards will be announced on the same date, Friday, December 30, 2016.