New Year's Honours: Imelda Staunton heads list of Britain’s favourite actors and musicians

Staunton, 59, who was awarded an OBE in 2006 has had her title promoted to CBE in honour of her services to drama

(Getty)

Film and London theatre star Imelda Staunton headed a list of Britain’s favourite actors and musicians to feature in the New Year honours list.

Staunton, 59, who was awarded an OBE in 2006 has had her title promoted to CBE in honour of her services to drama. Staunton, who recently starred as Momma Rose in the hit West End musical Gypsy, she is perhaps more popularly known as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films.

The London-born actress is joined by Welsh actress Siân Phillips, who trades her CBE for a Damehood, as well as actors David Oyelowo, Idris Elba and James Nesbitt, who are all appointed OBEs.

Luther star Elba described his OBE for services to drama as “beyond special” while Oyelowo, who starred as Martin Luther King in the film Selma, said receiving an OBE for services to drama feels like a “full-circle moment” as his career was kick-started by a grant from The Prince’s Trust.

Nesbitt, who starred in Bloody Sunday, said his OBE will “give credence” to the cause of those left searching for loved ones following the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Barbara Windsor, who is appointed a Dame for her services to charity and entertainment, said she was “very honoured, proud and extremely humbled” by the award. The Carry On star described her Damehood as “truly like a dream”.

Singer-songwriter and co-founder of Brit-pop band Blur, Damon Albarn has been appointed OBE, while fellow artist Goldie is an MBE. Choreographer Matthew Bourne has been knighted.

Former TV journalist Martyn Lewis is to be knighted in recognition for his charity work and sculptor Phyllida Barlow is also honoured with a CBE.

Click here for the full 2016 New Year's Honours list