Ainsley Harriott, Olivia Newton-John and 007 director Sam Mendes among showbiz stars on New Year Honours list
SHOWBIZ stars including Ready Steady Cook host Ainsley Harriott, Grease legend Olivia Newton-John and Bond director Sam Mendes have all been handed gongs in the New Year Honours.
They join Radio 1's Annie Nightingale, Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight in picking up gongs.
Olivia, 71, who was born in Cambridge but moved to Australia aged five, has been made a Dame.
She said: “I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me."
Skyfall director Sam, 54, who is to be knighted for his contribution to drama, said: I'm amazed, delighted and extremely proud."
Meanwhile, Sir Elton John has had his knighthood upgraded to a Companion Of Honour, making the 72-year-old singer one of only 65 living recipients of the award.
Ainsley Harriott and Bake-off winner Nadiya Hussain have both been handed MBEs for services to broadcasting and the culinary arts.
He said: "When I was first told about it, I immediately thought about my dear late mum - which really choked me up, because I know how proud she would have been."
The 62-year-old added: "Her boy's proud too - it's a great honour for me and for everyone who has helped me on my way."
Snow Patrol lead singer Gary, 43, was made an OBE just days after his father Jack passed away after suffering from dementia.
The singer, who was awarded for services to music and charity in Northern Ireland after he set up charity the Lightbody Foundation, said: "I don't know what life looks like without him.
"I can't even comprehend it, but he'll be in my heart and all my family's hearts for the rest of our lives."
He added: “I just wanted to pay tribute to the man that taught me and gave me so much. He was the funniest man I've ever known.
"Even in the depths of his dementia he could still be as sharp and hilarious as ever at times."
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, 60 was awarded a CBE, and said he would be celebrating like his character Tommy Shelby.
He said: "I celebrate Shelby-style every day - bottles of whiskey, cigarettes. No, I'm joking. Tommy Shelby occasionally has a bottle of champagne, so that's what I'll do.
"It's amazing. I'm very, very, very honoured. I've worked with my PA for 19 years and she's very rarely anything other than totally even-keeled.
"I knew there was something different when she said, 'Are you ready for some news?' That's how I found out."
Oscar winning 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen, 50 will also be knighted, for services to film, while Queen drummer Roger Taylor, 70 will get an OBE.
Meanwhile, Billy Ocean, 69, becomes an MBE for services to music, TV presenter June Sarpong, 42, will be awarded an OBE, while presenter Gabby Logan, 46, is to be handed an MBE.
Long serving Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale, 79, will be given a CBE – an upgrade from her MBE.
Playwright James Graham, 37 whose Who Wants to be a Millionaire? show was recently adapted for TV was handed an OBE, while stage star Giles Terera, 43, best known for playing Aaron Burr in Hamilton, was awarded an MBE.