For services to the arts and to young people

Two Doors Down star Arabella Weir has been made an MBE  for services to the arts and to young people. for services to the arts and to young people

As the honour was announced, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: ‘Much-loved star of BBC comedy Two Doors Down, Arabella Weir, has been rightly recognised for her work with the arts and young people, not least through the Kirkcaldy Festival of Ideas.’

Writing on social media, the actress said: ‘I am very honoured, genuinely humbled, to have been awarded an MBE not because I’m all about the Empire but because I believe in helping all young people access opportunities regardless of their backgrounds and this acknowledges that. Thank you to all who thought me worthy.’

Weir – who shot to fame through the Fast Show – is artistic director of the Kirkcaldy festival and also a trustee of Theirworld, a children’s educational charity founded by Sarah Brown, wife of former PM Gordon.

In Two Doors Down the actress plays the kind-hearted, slightly put-upon Beth Baird and she has  also starred in the stage version of Calendar Girls, Jessica Knappett sitcom  Drifters, and this year played Yvette in seven episodes of Coronation Street.

In 1998, she published a book based on her Fast Show catchphrase, Does My Bum Look Big in This?

The actress was born in San Francisco, the daughter of former British ambassador Sir Michael Weir

Published: 30 Dec 2023