” Also, a top Indian-origin cancer research expert has been conferred Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for being “hugely influential” in his work on prevention and treatment of cancer. The newcomers are Lord Ara Darzi, one of the world’s leading surgeons; Ann Dowling, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering; and vacuum cleaner innovator James Dyson. Other actors recognised included Dame Sian Phillips, Imelda Staunton CBE and David Oyelowo OBE. Idris Elba Blur frontman Damon Albarn and heart-throb actor Idris Elba were rewarded for their services to music and drama in Britain’s New Year Hono-urs List announced on Wed-nesday. It recognises individuals of great achievement in the fields of the arts, learning, literature and science. On pu squishy keychain toys Manufacturer being made a CBE, screenwriter and playwright Peter Morgan said: “I’m surprised, delighted and proud. Golden Globe winner Elba, who starred in television crime dramas The Wire and Luther, and films including Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Prometheus, said the honour was “beyond special”.

It made me feel quite proud of myself because I’ve worked really hard over the last five years. Blur reunited in 2009 and in April released The Magic Whip, their first studio album in 12 years and their sixth consecutive one to top the charts.” Morgan was behind the film scripts of The Queen (2006) starring Helen Mirren, Frost/Nixon (2008) and Rush (2013). There were three new additions to the Order of Merit, which is in the personal gift of Queen Elizabeth II and limited to 24 members. Harpal Singh Kumar, the chief executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), has been honoured for services to cancer research and being “hugely influential in promoting research into the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and cancer care. “It was a big surprise, because I never thought I could get something like this at this age,” the teenager said. Even a little embarrassed. Singer-songwriter Alba-rn, 47, who was at the forefront of the 1990s Britpop movement with Blur, was also made an OBE. Especially since I opened the brown envelope expecting it to be a speeding ticket.

Actress Barbara Windsor, a veteran of the 1960s Carry On cheeky comedy films and the BBC’s top soap opera EastEnders, was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knighthood. They led the way in the annual announcement of state honours marking the end of the year.Blur frontman Damon Albarn and heart-throb actor Idris Elba were rewarded for their services to music and drama in Britain’s New Year Hono-urs List announced on Wed-nesday. Cancer fundraiser Jonjo Heue-rman, 13, was the youngest, while 99 year-old Dorothy Start was the oldest, recognised for her decades of community work.Albarn and Elba were made OBEs — officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire — while other famous names were made commanders (CBE) or regular members (MBE).”. Heue-rman, from Dartford, has raised more than £235,000 for Cancer Research UK’s Bobby Moore Fund