Actors David Suchet and Sheila Hancock are among the stars of stage and screen recognised in the New Year Honours.
Suchet, 64, and Hancock, 77, become CBEs.
Suchet is best known for playing Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot in the long-running TV series that bears the Belgian sleuth's name.
The London-born actor has played a wide variety of roles on stage and screen during a career spanning more than 40 years.
Hancock, the widow of Inspector Morse star John Thaw, has also enjoyed a varied and successful career.
She has appeared in numerous plays and TV sitcoms and was seen this year in West End musical Sister Act.
"It is lovely, really lovely," the actress said. "I'm surprised how pleased I am.
"I got a letter saying the Prime Minister's office was going to ask the Queen to consider me and I immediately thought she would say no."
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 1:39 pm