The New Year’s honours list this year will have Formula 1, rock music and Star Trek fans excited, as Jensen Button, Status Quo and actor Patrick Stewart are set to receive knighthoods.
Star Trek actor Stewart knighted
Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the U.S. sci-fi series, has been knighted for his services to drama in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.
The West Yorkshire born actor, who is famous for a string of theatre and screen roles, said he was “very proud” to be made a knight, adding the theatre has always been his “great joy”.
Formula One world champion Jensen Button has been handed a MBE, in recognition for his ouitstanding achievement.
The driver who struggled for many years in uncompetitive cars had a turnaround season, after Ross Brawn bought out the struggling Honda team – launching Brawn GP.
Button won the first few races and led the cahmpionship from start to finish.
He said: “To be recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and the British people is a tremendous honour for me.”
Others to receive recognition from the Queen include Status Quo rockers, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, along with Ultimo bra boss Michelle Mone, Pineapple Dance Studios founder Debbie Moore – who were awarded OBEs.
Notable names to be overlooked include Bruce Forsyth – despite a 15,000-strong petition asking that he be honoured.
