Stewart, Status Quo stars in honours list

Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart and Status Quo musicians Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi have been named in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

As expected, 69-year-old Stewart has received a knighthood for his services to drama, while Parfitt and Rossi have been recognised for their contributions to music and charity.

West Yorkshire-born Stewart confirmed that he is "very proud" of the accolade, adding: "This is an honour that embraces those actors, directors and creative teams who have in these recent years helped fill my life with inspiration, companionship and sheer fun."

Meanwhile, Parfitt argued that he and Rossi deserved their honours, explaining: "I thought there had been a chance that we may have got something but I had kind of given up hoping. Particularly with my wild past, if they'd reviewed some of my old newspaper cuttings. To be perfectly honest, with all the hard work we have put in over the years, I accept it graciously."

Parfitt and Rossi have helped to raise funds for a wide variety of charities, including the Prince's Trust, the Heart Foundation and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

Other famous faces in the list included Springwatch presenter Simon King, who was given an OBE, and former Shadows star Jet Harris, who was made an MBE for his services to music.

Ultimo bra tycoon Michelle Mone also picked up an OBE, while Channel 4's controller of film and drama Tessa Ross, a key figure behind the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, said that she felt "really honoured" after securing a CBE.