...as is Fresh Fields star Julia McKenzie

Hugh Laurie has been made a CBE in the New Year Honours.

The House and Blackadder star – who shot to fame through his comedy partnership with Stephen Fry – was rewarded for his services to drama.

He previously received an OBE from the Queen in 2007.

Julia McKenzie, the actor and theatre director, known for playing Hester Fields in the 1980s sitcom Fresh Fields and its sequel French Fields also receives a CBE.

PR guru Lynn Franks, who inspired Ab Fab, is also made an OBE by the Queen – and said she hoped the honour would show there was more to her than the sitcom.

Franks – the mother of comedian Josh Howie – said: 'I am the first to admit that there are some moments in my life still when I could look at it and say, "God, that was an Edina moment". I get it.

‘I’m just hoping this creates an awareness of all the work I’ve done with women – it goes a lot further than just being a character in a TV programme... in a very funny TV programme.’

Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr have been knighted, while Strictly judge Darcey Bussell was made a dame.

Published: 29 Dec 2017