New Year Honours: Ten famous faces

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25550631

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More than 1,000 people have received an award in the New Year Honours - and for the first time since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917, there are more women (51%) on the list than men.

Here are 10 of the most famous faces.

1. Katherine Jenkins

Occupation: Mezzo-soprano

Honour: OBE for her contribution to music and services to charity

Quote: "I am incredibly humbled to receive this great honour. To accept such an award after only a decade of service to music and charity comes as a wonderful surprise."

2. Ruth Jones

Occupation: Actress and writer, Gavin and Stacey co-creator

Honour: MBE for services to entertainment

Quote: "This isn't just tidy, it's proper tidy. I had no idea it was coming. I just came home one night, opened the post and there it was: this letter telling me I was being put forward for it and being really strict about not telling anyone. And I'm quite obedient. So I didn't."

3. Sandi Toksvig

Occupation: Broadcaster, comedienne and author

Honour: OBE for services to broadcasting

Quote: "I'm honoured to have been recognised in this way. Broadcasting is a team effort and I would like to pay tribute to all the writers, production and technical staff I've worked with over the years."

4. Penelope Keith

Occupation: Actress

Honour: Dame for services to the arts and to charity

Quote: "It's a recognition for not only my 54 years being an actress, but also for all the charities with which I'm associated and I think they'll be thrilled."

5. Angela Lansbury

Occupation: Actress

Honour: Dame for services to drama and for charitable work and philanthropy

Quote: : "I'm joining a marvellous group of women I greatly admire, like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. It's a lovely thing to be given that nod of approval by your own country and I really cherish it."

6. Nicholas Parsons

Occupation: Presenter

Honour: CBE for services to charity

Quote: "I think it's a very nice honour - I'm flattered and I'm delighted. I think honours are a wonderful thing to receive if you have worked hard and that is recognised. I don't understand these people who are pompous and say they don't want it."

7. Lynda Bellingham

Occupation: Actress, presenter and writer

Honour: OBE for services to charity

Quote: "I am absolutely delighted and proud to receive this OBE. It has been a long and tough year but this award is just a fantastic way to move forward. I feel honoured and inspired and very grateful."

8. Michael Crawford

Occupation: Actor

Honour: CBE for services to children's charities

Quote: "It is the most wonderful surprise. My very first thought when I received the news was how proud my mother would be. I do thank most sincerely those who are responsible for my receiving this great honour and to all my friends and colleagues at The Sick Children's Trust. I'm proud to be a part of our very special charity."

9. Kevin McCloud

Occupation: Presenter

Honour: MBE for services to sustainable design and energy saving property refurbishment

Quote: Not yet commented

10. Pete Tong

Occupation: DJ

Honour: MBE for services to broadcasting and music

Quote: "It's great to receive this honour for being a DJ. I'm proud that it acknowledges a profession that I care about a great deal, and one that's made a huge impact around the world... This wouldn't have happened without so many great tunes."