Mary Berry, Maureen Lipman and David Suchet are among the famous names who are being recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.
However, this year’s list is dominated by the work of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities, particularly in response to the COVID-19.
In total, 414 exceptional people are named in this list for their efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
David Maguire a 62 years old from Glasgow, received an MBE after he repurposed his restaurant to provide free food to thousands of NHS workers at the hospital, vulnerable people and school children.
Jolene Miller, a 42 years old from Stockton, is rewarded with a British Empire Medal after she volunteered as a paramedic to help her former colleagues while also continuing to work as a train driver.
Healthcare and social care workers make up 14% of recipients in the 2020 list.
Jade Cole, a 39 year old from Cardiff, received a British Empire Medal. She was the only member of her team able to enter the intensive care unit to deliver clinical trials which informed how COVID-19 patients were treated. Her work helped show that there was a survival advantage for patients prescribed a particular drug.
More young people than ever before are also recognised in the 2020 list, with 11% of recipients being under 30.
Henry James, a 23 years old from Edinburgh, receives a British Empire Medal after he designed, created and delivered PPE for healthcare workers, using 3D printing technology. He’s supplied thousands of masks to local businesses, vets, care workers and local food distribution all free of charge.
Among the well-known named honoured the year, 22-year-old England footballer Marcus Rashford receives an MBE for services to vulnerable children in the UK during Covid-19.
Television presenter and cook Mary Berry has been made a Dame for services to broadcasting, the culinary arts and charity.
Also being made a Dame is actress Maureen Lipman for services to charity, entertainment and the arts.
Meanwhile, David Suchet, best known for portraying Agatha Christie’s Poirot, is knighted for services to drama and charity
Derrick Evans, better known as Mr Motivator, has been awarded with an MBE for his accessible live workouts to encourage people to stay physically and mentally fit during Covid-19.
Likewise, Joe Wicks receives an MBE for his YouTube livestreams during lockdown which kept millions of children fit whilst away from school.
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has been awarded with a CBE for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
Also receiving CBEs are interior designer Kelly Hoppen, astronomer Professor Brian Cox, actor Adrian Lester, and singer songwriter Joan Armatrading.
In the world of sport, former rugby legend Gareth Thomas receives a CBE for services to sport and health, whilst cricketer Darren Gough receives an MBE for services to cricket and charity.
Former Labour Members of Parliament, Nic Dakin and David Hanson, have each been knighted for political service.
Those receiving higher awards include fashion designer Sir Paul Smith who is admitted to the prestigious Companion of Honour.
Many people may assume that Sir David Attenborough already has every every honour possible, but that is not the case. This year, Sir David has been appointed to the Order of St Michael and St George for services to television broadcasting and to conservation.
Other famous faces to be knighted include television producer and screenwriter Phil Redmond, one of Britain’s leading painters Frank Bowling, and entertainer Tommy Steele.
