why not Dame Petula?

[chirpychirpy]

Petula Clark has achieved a huge amount in the entertainment industry, especially as a woman in a male-dominated world, yet she still hasn't been made a Dame. Bruce Forsyth is yet to receive a knighthood despite his long and distinguished career. Ditto veteran actor Ian Carmichael. You do wonder if the Royals or whoever is directly responsible for dishing out these Honours just don't like, or at some point took exception to, certain celebrities, and I'm sure public campaigns for honours - like the long-term one for Brucie - hinder rather than help chances. Many folk will think it unfair to reward the rich and famous, but which celeb do you think is overdue a major gong?

[Oneeyedvic]

Don't forget that some people may have been offered a 'gong' but have turned it down due tot heir beliefs.

Before you recieve an award, you are asked if you would accept it. If you decline at that point, the award would not be given. If you say yes, and then publically turn it down, you should be taken to the Tower of London ;-)

[jno]

I think Pet is already a CBE, and she hasn't really done a whole lot since then, has she? I don't suppose one or two albums in the last couple of years is seen as sufficient grounds for promoting her further. Ian Carmichael OBE is in much the same boat.

Forsyth is a CBE too - as they've all accepted honours already, they're presumably not opposed to them - but he's certainly still in the public eye. Dame Brucie does have a nice ring to it. Maybe next time?

[chirpychirpy]

I forgot about Eric Sykes - where's his knighthood?

[rov1200]

Talking about turning them down here is a list of celebrities who have done just that.

http://www.guardian.c.../dec/22/uk.Whitehall1

It does not include Michael Winnock, famous for his Esure commercials who turned down his MBE because he said cleaners also get them.

[craft1948]

I think Forsyth unfortunately may get a knighthood but there has to be a certain minimum number of years between getting honours.........he'll probably get his next year.

[socket2008]

I have no time for MBE's etc. I actually met a 'Sir' once and told him I would not be refering him by that name simply because he was a successful singer.

I also had an argument once with someone who had a BME. I refused to add those letters to their name in correspondence.

Those that are successful get their reward in their salary packets each month. Those that do good for the community have a better conscience and a higher position in heaven and more respect from others.

A tacky medal with letters before/at the end of your name are meaningless and I will continue to disregard it.

[dothawkes31]

That's Michael Winner lol

[craft1948]

I bet HM sometimes cringes at the people she has to give awards to........

[dothawkes31]

I think Joanna Lumley should get something this year, or has she already?

[society]

I agree with you Tonyted

[dothawkes31]

Lol them status quo rebels have been given an OBE!!! lol

[Sqad]

kunni...LOL

[BertiWooster]

In the vast majority of cases , honours dont impress me and i certainly dont refer to anyone as 'Sir' just because they are well known musicians / actors etc - as far as I am concerned , i'm going to call you Paul Mc Cartney NOT Sir Paul McCartney

I do beleive however that it is right to recognise individuals who out of personal choice dedicate their time and energy to good causes ....charitable work e.g. ( providing they dont shout about it from the roof tops )

[Everhelpful]

I've got letters after my name: Esq.

[sp1814]

Victoria Wood and Julie Walters should get something (don't know if they HAVE yet though).

And Imelda Staunton.