Entertainment New Years Honours List

31 December 2008

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The New Years Honours list sees singer Robert Plant, author Terry Pratchett, and jazz star Courtney Pine are among the entertainment figures.

Terry Pratchett becomes Sir Terry while saxophonist Pine becomes a CBE, along with Led Zeppelin frontman Plant.

Frost/Nixon actor Michael Sheen becomes an OBE, actress Liz Smith is appointed an MBE, and Jenny Abramsky, former head of BBC radio, is made a dame.

Sir Terry , 60, best known for his hugely popular Discworld series of comic fantasy novels, has sold more than 55 million books worldwide.

Last year Sir Terry was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and has since campaigned to raise awareness of the condition.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "I would like to congratulate Terry on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement.

"Terry is not only a successful author and well-loved public figure; he is also playing a key role in fighting the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding dementia."

Sheen, 39, who played former prime minister Tony Blair in 2006's award-winning film The Queen, becomes an OBE for services to drama.

Liz Smith, 87, famous as Nana in the sitcom The Royale Family, and singer-songwriter John Martyn, 60, both become MBEs.

Orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes becomes a CBE, while concert pianist and conductor Howard Shelley is appointed OBE.

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