Johnny Briggs picks up MBE

Johnny Briggs has picked up his MBE for services to drama from The Queen.

The actor was honoured chiefly for his 30-year stint as Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street. He left his role as the businessman last year.

Briggs said he was delighted to be recognised. "When I was little I used to drive past the palace," he recalled. "I never thought I would get through the gates, let alone meet the Queen and have the honour of getting an MBE."

He added that The Queen told him his stint on the soap "must have been quite fun". "I replied, 'It was fun, it was fantastic,'" continued Briggs. "I miss the crew very, very much. Working 30 years in any company, you see them come in as young boys.

"It's one big happy family. I never saw any arguments the whole time I was there."

Briggs said he had decided to remain in Salford, close to his friends, after leaving the show.