Katherine Jenkins

Katherine Jenkins

Katherine Jenkins, Ruth Jones and Pete Tong are among the stars included in Queen Elizabeth's New Year Honours.

Soprano Katherine will become an OBE, while 'Gavin and Stacey' co-creator Ruth and superstar DJ Pete are set to receive MBEs, after the British monarch announced her annual awards.

Pete's gong for services to music and broadcasting came as more women than men were named in the list this year for the first time since 1917.

The 53-year-old DJ, who has been on Radio 1 since 1991, said: "It's great to receive this 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 would not have happened without so many great tunes."

Welsh actress Ruth, 47, described her win as "proper tidy" and said she was shocked to find out she was included.

She said: "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. Except my husband who's really proud. And my dad, who's beside himself with excitement."

Opera star Katherine, 33, also said she was "incredibly humbled" and described it as a "wonderful surprise."

TV's Sandi Toksvig will receive an OBE along with Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellingham, while actor Michael Crawford, 'Grand Designs' presenter Kevin McCloud and veteran presenter Nicholas Parsons are also on the list.

'The Good Life' actress Penelope Keith and 'Murder She Wrote' star Angela Lansbury are among 16 to become Dames.