Knighthood for "Del Boy"

Actor David Jason, known to millions as dodgy dealer Del Boy Trotter, has received a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours.

10:28 11 June 2005

Actor David Jason, known to millions as dodgy dealer Del Boy Trotter, has received a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours.

The Only Fools and Horses star is one a number of showbiz stars to be named in this year's list, with BBC Radio 2 presenter Terry Wogan receiving an honorary knighthood and actress Judi Dench becoming a Companion of Honour.

Fellow radio presenter and chat show host Jonathan Ross is granted an OBE for services to broadcasting.

Singer Midge Ure, currently organising Live 8 with Bob Geldof, receives an OBE, while rock star Jimmy Page, a founding member of Led Zeppelin, also gets an OBE in the diplomatic list, for services to disadvantaged children in Brazil. Queen guitarist Brian May also receives a CBE.

From the world of sport, footballer Les Ferdinand gets an MBE and South African-born cricketer Basil D'Oliveira a CBE. Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Dave Sexton also receives an OBE.

MI5 chief Elizabeth Manningham-Buller also becomes Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Commenting on his "unexpected" knighthood, David Jason said he was "delighted and humbled" to be made a sir.

"It is totally unexpected and I can only hope it will bring a little pleasure to the viewing public as it has brought great pleasure to me and my family," said the actor, who also starred in hit shows like The Darling Buds of May and A Touch of Frost.

Downing Street, which compiles the honours list, stressed that although showbiz stars had been recognised, more than 500 of the honours, around 60 per cent of the total, had gone to people involved in voluntary service - the highest number achieved so far.

Among the "ordinary" people named on the 894-strong list are several teachers, a lollipop lady and a railway assistant.