Arise Sir Ken Dodd!
Ken Dodd, the 89-year-old comedian, was given the honour by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace for his services to entertainment in a career that has lasted over 60 years and for his charity work.
His skills as a comedian have created a long lasting career with both radio and television shows, as well as a recording career. His most well-known song, “Happiness”, was released in 1964.
His single “Tears” became the third highest-selling song of the 1960s; he was only beaten by two Beatles songs.
Sir Ken said that he was “highly ticked” as he received his knighthood.
He was born the son of a coal merchant in 1927 and left school at the age of 14 to work for his father. He got his big debut at Nottingham Empire. He still tours to this day with shows that often last four hours and long into the night.
Sir Ken, famed for his noticeable wild hair, buck teeth, and “tickling sticks” said: “Being a sir is a curious feeling. I feel the same. But it’s lovely for my family and friends.”
In 1965, he made it into the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s longest joke-telling session. He managed, 1,500 jokes in three and a half hours and the audiences watched the show in shifts.
Dodd was previously awarded an OBE in 1982 and has the Freedom of Liverpool.
Looking back on his long lasting career, he said: “Years ago beautiful ladies used to leave a red rose or a lace handkerchief – now all I get is a Fisherman’s Friend, vapour rub and elastic stockings! I’m grateful!”
Also receiving awards at the service were Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams and actor Tim Pigott-Smith whom both collected OBEs. Rio Paralympic gold medal runners Sophie Hahn and Georgina Hermitage received MBEs. As well as Jack Perry, a member of the Guinea Pig Club, a group of men who received experimental plastic surgery following severe burns during the Second World War received theirs, as well.
