Dame Darcey Bussell has said she is “truly humbled” after being named in The Queen’s New Year Honours list to receive a damehood.
The 48-year-old has been honoured for services to dance. She has a 20-year ballet career and has been a judge on BBC Strictly Come Dancing since 2012.
Speaking of her award, Dame Darcey said: “I am truly humbled to receive this honour.
“I gratefully accept it on behalf of all the dance organisations that I am so fortunate to be part of.
“Dance is such a beautiful art form, it is inspiring and provides joy, social cohesion and wellbeing.”
Dame Darcey was previously awarded an OBE in 1995 and then a CBE in 2006 for services to dance.
She is the president of the Royal Academy of Dance and holds positions with many other dance companies.
The ballerina also performed on a worldwide stage at the London Olympic Games closing ceremony
She joined Strictly Come Dancing in five years ago, and since then has gained a large following with a whole new generation of people.
Strictly is the BBC’s most watched television show, with around 10m tuning in to the programme each week.
Other people to be honoured in the 2018 list includes singer-songwriter and Bee Gee, Barry Gibb, who will be knighted for services to music and charity.
Sir Barry was previously awarded a CBE in 2002 alongside his brothers Robin and Maurice.
He said would dedicate the honour to his late brothers, adding: “The magic, the glow, and the rush will last me the rest of my life.”
Sir Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr, receives his knighthood for services to music.
He first received an honour from The Queen back in 1965 when he and the other Beatles received the MBE in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours.
