UK NEWS

HONOURS FOR KYLIE, PARKY AND LYNAM

Saturday December 29,2007

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Pop Princess Kylie Minogue, whose brave battle with cancer inspired millions, has said she is "deeply touched" to get an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

The Australian star is joined by Michael Parkinson, the master of the TV chat show, who gets a knighthood and Des Lynam, the distinguished sports commentator, who receives an OBE for services to sport.

Lynam described the honour as "a splendid surprise" which made him feel "truly privileged".

Stuart Rose, 58, the man who turned round Marks & Spencer, gets a knighthood, heading a list of some of Britain's most successful retailers.

There are also honours for stars like the actor Sir Ian McKellen, who becomes a Companion of Honour, Julie Walters and Leslie Phillips.

A CBE is awarded to Brendan Foster, the long-distance runner and founder of the Great North Run, and an MBE for the current snooker world champion, John Higgins.

An OBE goes to George Alagiah, the 52-year-old BBC news presenter and reporter who has covered major stories worldwide.

There are MBEs for people involved in rescue operations during the 2007 floods. They include Capt Tracey Palmer, of the Salvation Army in Worksop, who provided shelter for many children in the local church hall, while their parents fought to save their homes.

But most attention in this year's list is likely to focus on former Australian soap star Kylie, 39, who featured in the Christmas Day Dr Who adventure.

She said: "This last year I have felt so much love and support from everyone as I took greater steps back into the public domain, and it is with absolute gratitude and joy that I say farewell to 2007 and look forward to what the New Year will bring."

HONOURS??

30.12.07, 9:29am

I am not British but I agree with the people on here
who are questioning the criteria for receiving "honours".

Just what exactly has Parkinson, or for that matter, Kylie Minogue really done to contribute to British society?

They earn buckets of cash and then get rewarded even more!

I agree with Paul McCartney being honoured as as a Beatle, and independantly, he brought a lot of money into England, not to mention his charity work.

However, what Michael Parkinson or Rod Stewart have done for "England" is not so clear!

It is the same in Australia though. Nicole Kidman and Olivia Newton John, for eg, left this country ages ago in order to pursue careers elsewhere, and yet both have an Order of Australia honour. Considering they both only pop their heads in down here once in a blue moon, I'd LOVE to know what they are being "honoured" for??

• Posted by: Bianca • Report Comment

HONOURS FOR WHO??? (VERSION 2!)

29.12.07, 8:44pm

Sorry! A computer gremlin must have attacked my posting!! THis is what I really wanted to say!!
Just want to add to the general theme here. Will someone please remind me what this lot of overpaid nonentities have ever done for the betterment of mankind? My wife sings as well as Kylie who, as others have said, had the money for the best of private treatment, and who battled no more bravely than thousands of other women whose situations never reach the national media. I've done my share of radio interviews, so reckon that I could do as good a job as Parky - especially with all of the help that people like him get with full-time researchers to do all of the donkey work for them. If we must keep this ridiculous system, let's make it into something worth keeping.

• Posted by: Truthseeker1944 • Report Comment

HONOURS FOR WHO??

29.12.07, 8:42pm

Just want to add to the general theme here. Will someone please remind me what this lot of overpaid nonentities have ever done for the betterment of mankind? My wife sings as well as Kylie whos as others have said, had the money for the best of privateiews, so treatment, and who battled no more bravely than thousands of other women whose situations never reach the national media. I've done my share of radio interviews, so reckon that I could do as good a job as Parky - especially with all of the help that people like him get with full-time researchers to do all of the donkey work for them. If we must keep this ridiculous system, let's make it into something worth keeping.

• Posted by: Truthseeker1944 • Report Comment

NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

29.12.07, 6:24pm

I disagree totally with the 'Honours System', it is elitist and out of touch with reality.
Why are these people getting 'honours' for doing their job. A job that they are paid very highly to do compared to our real heroes, nurses, firemen, policemen and the armed services.
I realise there are always a few token 'local heroes' who get recognised but the majority of those on the list really are nothing special.
Let's do away with this antiquated recognition system.

• Posted by: BEEGEE • Report Comment

HONOURS...FOR WHAT ???????

29.12.07, 5:54pm

I am British, patriotic and a Royalist.....
BUT,,,, it is now time to end the fiasco of "Honours".
A TV interviewer who has earned millions from us, through his job has NO RIGHT to be a "SIR"....also, a second rate singer from OZ gets an OBE ??? for what ??? for earning millions ????..also a sports commentator ???? for what ???
PLEASE.....Honour the Brits who deserve the honour, who have served their country, who have performed un paid tasks, who have not made millions out of the country.....OR, forget the whole system.....

• Posted by: gary • Report Comment

WHAT ABOUT?

29.12.07, 2:05pm

The hard working public who keep this country ticking over. what about our Brave men in other country's fighting wars that have nothing to do with us. what about our doctors and nurses all who are fighting to save lives on very little resources .
its disgraceful every year stars who already have it all get these honours while the real heroes the people of this country get nothing.

• Posted by: jessica • Report Comment