OBE-Wan Kenobi: Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor delighted by New Year honour

OBE-Wan Kenobi: Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor delighted by New Year honour

29 Dec 2012 00:00

McGregor, who played the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in three of the sci-fi blockbusters, has been awarded for services to drama and charity

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The force is strong with Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor â€" after he landed an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

McGregor, who played the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in three of the sci-fi blockbusters, has been awarded for services to drama and charity.

He is among a list of stars set to be given gongs by the Queen including singer Kate Bush, artist Tracey Emin, former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips and Hustle actor Adrian Lester.

Illustrator Quentin Blake is getting a knighthood, fashion designer Stella McCartney an OBE, ex-England cricketer Mark Ramprakash an MBE and violinist Nicola Benedetti an MBE.

Trainspotting star McGregor, who has been involved in charity work for years, said: “I’m delighted and touched to be on the New Year’s Honours List.”

Choreographer Phillips, 69, who received a CBE, found fame when she brought together a group of her students from Covent Garden’s Pineapple Dance Studio into the group Hot Gossip in the 70s.

Her work caught the eye of Hollywood and she worked on films including Annie and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.

Her profile became even higher when she stepped back in front of the camera as a judge on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

Phillips, who was replaced on the show by former winner Alesha Dixon five years later in an ageism row, said: “I am very pleasantly surprised but mostly absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive such a wonderful honour.”

Bush said it was a “great surprise” to get a CBE for services to music.

The 54-year-old, whose first hit Wuthering Heights topped the charts and instantly made her a star, said: “I feel deeply honoured to be in this list. I’m really delighted. Thanks to everyone.”

Emin, who is being awarded a CBE, said receiving t he honour felt like being “pushed in at the deep end”.

The 49-year-old, who grew up in Margate, Kent, first came to fame in 1999 after being shortlisted for the Turner prize with one of her most famous works My Bed â€" which was littered with condoms, ciggie packets and a pair of knickers.

Emin-ent: Tracey Emin who will be awarded a CBE

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Her work now sells for huge prices around the world and one piece â€" a neon sign reading More Passion â€" was installed in Downing Street last year.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s been insane trying to keep it a secret but I’m really looking forward to seeing the look on my mum’s face.

"For me this honour is a symbol of how art can change people’s perception of life and view the world in a different way.”

Lester, who is best known for playing conman Mickey Bricks in Hustle, is being awarded an OBE for drama.

The 44-year-old, who was born in Birmingham to parents originally from Jamaica, has carved out a career on stage and screen.

He said: “Coming from my background there was always this ethic that is very strong that people would do their best for the mother country.

“It is a strong part of the culture in Jamaica, for better or worse, and one of the things I thought was that without the contributions of pe ople like my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents this country wouldn’t be what it is.”

Blake is best known for his drawings in Roald Dahl’s books and became a familiar face on TV in the 70s, working on over 150 episodes of Jackanory.

He said yesterday many of his overseas fans thought that he was already a Sir.

He said: “The funny thing is that my books are published a lot in France and Germany and I get a lot of letters from people who think I have got it already, so I suppose this kind of regularises it.

"I haven’t quite got used to it yet, but I’m very pleased about it. I’ve already had an OBE and a CBE so it does prepare you for these things.”

Comedy writer Jeremy Lloyd, who has been behind some of TV’s best-loved sitcoms, was awarded an OBE for his services to British comedy.

The 82-year-old created hits such as ’Allo ’Allo and Are You Being Served? with his writing partner David Croft.< /p>

He said: “I’m aware I’ve made people laugh round the world, but I’m astounded to be honoured for services to British comedy.

"It is, after all, what I love doing and couldn’t have done without the many wonderful actors, directors and others.”

Benedetti, one of Britain’s most gifted musicians and one of the brightest young stars in the classical world, said she was “humbled” to be awarded an MBE.

She has released a series of acclaimed recordings since landing a deal at the age of 17.

The 25-year-old said: “I hope this honour can help me continue to draw attention to the importance of classical music and the arts in British society.”