For services to broadcasting

Armando Iannucci has been made an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

The creator of the Thick Of It was given the award for services to broadcasting.

He said: ‘The honour is working with lots of performers and writers so I did feel a bit guilty.

‘I just hope it’s not an attempt by the Government to stop me because that’s not going to happen.’

And in homage to Rupert Murdoch, he tweeted this morning: ‘This is the most humble day of my life.’

Iannucci also co-created Alan Partridge with Steve Coogan, executive produced Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, and fronted his own shows The Saturday Night Armistice and The Armando Iannucci Show. His American take on The Thick Of It, Veep, has just been renewed for a second series.

Meanwhile, musical comedian Richard Stilgoe was knighted for his charity work. He funnels royalties he receives from American productions of his musicals to disabled people and social welfare projects.

He confessed he was 'a bit embarrassed' about the honour'.

Published: 16 Jun 2012