Lesley Manville, Toby Jones, Nina Wadia and Sheila Hancock

Several sitcom stars have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours tonight.

Mum star Lesley Manville is made a CBE for services to drama and to charity.

Her other credits include Phantom Thread, Harlots, Cranford and several collaborations with director Mike Leigh, as well as her stage work. She will play  Princess Margaret in seasons five and six of Netflix series The Crown.

Detectorists star Toby Jones is awarded the OBE for services to drama.

Last year he also created the comedy-drama Don’t Forget The Driver, while his other credits include Captain America, the voice of Dobby in the Harry Potter films and the 2016 remake of  Dad's Army in which he played Captain Mainwaring. His stage performance in Uncle Vanya was broadcast by BBC Four tonight.

Goodness Gracious Me star Nina Wadia, who also plays  Mrs Hussein in the Open All Hours spin-off Still Open All Hours,  is awarded the MBE for or services to entertainment and to charity.

Sheila Hancock, whose early West End appearances included Peter Cook's revue One Over the Eight with Kenneth Williams, is made a Dame.

Comedy highlights over a long and varied career include regular appearances on  Just a Minute since its outset and Dawn French’s Sky One comedy-drama Delicious. In 2013 starred alongside Lee Evans and Keeley Hawes in the West End comedy Barking in Essex.

Published: 30 Dec 2020