Strictly, Coronation Street and X Factor stars recognised in King’s Birthday Honours list

ok.co.uk:

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list has been announced, and there are a host of familiar names who have been recognised.

Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon and former X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson have been awarded MBEs, along with Countdown’s Susie Dent and Strictly Come Dancing ’s Amy Dowden.

Amy, an ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis UK said to PA News: “I accept it on behalf of all those who live with Crohn’s disease, and will continue campaigning to raise awareness for and research into this terrible chronic illness.” Actress and presenter Shobna Gulati, best known for her role as Sunita in Coronation Street and Anita in comedy Dinnerladies, has also become a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the cultural industries.

Other recipients include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has been made a Companion of Honour, while Post Office campaigner Alan Bates – whose fight defending sub-postmasters who had been falsely accused of stealing was made into the ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office – has been given a knighthood.The former sub-postmaster, who has previously rejected an OBE honour, told the PA News agency: “The time I was asked about the OBE… I felt it would have been quite offensive to many of the group if I’d accepted it.” “But I do know that I’ve had hundreds of emails and letters of support over the years and a lot of people do seem to think that I should receive some sort of recognition for the work that I’ve done for them or on their behalf.