John Hurt receives knighthood

Veteran actor John Hurt has received a knighthood in the New Year Honours. The 74-year-old was appointed for his services to drama after a career lasting more than five decades.

Actress-writer Joan Collins was made a dame, along with poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, TV presenter Esther Rantzen, actress Kristin Scott Thomas and fashion designer Mary Quant.

TV actors James Corden and Sheridan Smith also become OBEs for services to drama.

Hurt's career has seen him go from a bit part in TV series “Z Cars” to Oscar-nominated actor for his roles in 1978's “Midnight Express” and 1980's “The Elephant Man”.

Collins, who is best known for her role as Alexis Carrington in the 1980s US soap “Dynasty”, was made a dame for her services to charity. The 81-year-old is involved with a number of charities including the NSPCC, National Centre for Learning Disabilities, Action for Sick Children and The Shooting Star Children's Hospice.

Source: BBC