British comedian Sandi Toksvig has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honour’s List.
Toksvig, who was born in Copenhagen, was honoured for her services to broadcasting. The comedian who often appears on program’s like ‘Q.I’ and ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway?’ The comedian came out in 1994 and lives with her partner and children in London. Alongside her television work Toksvig hosts a number of radio programs in the United Kingdom and is the author of several books for both children and adults.
Most recently Toksvig made a cameo appearance in the Christmas edition of ‘Call the Midwife’ where she played a grumpy hospital nurse.
“I’m honoured to have been recognised in this way. Broadcasting is a team effort and I would like to pay tribute to all the writers, production and technical staff I’ve worked with over the years.” Toksvig said.
The annual announcement of honours contained more women than men for the first time, with 51% of recipients being female. Previously the highest female percentage was 47%.
Among the notable women receiving honours was actress Penelope Keith, best known for her acting in family friendly sitcoms ‘The Good Life’, ‘To the Manor Born’ and ‘Executive Stress’, the actress was made a dame. As was fellow British actress Angela Lansbury who appeared in the production of ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ in Perth earlier this year.
Actress Lynda Bellingham, best know as the second actress to play Helen Herriot in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and roles in ‘The Bill’ and ‘Doctor Who’ – was given an OBE for her work with cancer charities. Also receiving an MBE was singing star Katherine Jenkins.
Writer and Actress Ruth Jones from the TV series ‘Gavin and Stacy’ was a awarded an MBE, as was DJ Pete Tong and ‘Grand Designs’ host Kevin McLeod. While actor and singer Michael Crawford received a CBE honour.
Also honoured was Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the openly gay musician is regarded as one of the greatest living composers. Sir Peter was promoted to Companion of Honour. It’s one of the highest honours available, only 40 people can hold the title at any one given time.
OIP Staff
