There’s nothing like a Dame! Olivia Newton-John leads New Year Honours list

Australian star Olivia Newton-John is now a dame after being named in the 2020 New Year Honours list by Her Majesty the Queen.

The 71-year-old – who was born in Cambridge, UK, but spent most of her life in Australia having emigrated with her family at the age of six – was honoured in the list which was released today (Saturday) in recognition of her work as a cancer campaigner and entertainer.

Speaking about the honour, she told the BBC: “I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me.

“I am very proud of my British ancestry and so appreciative to be recognised in this way.”

Olivia established the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in 2008 having lived with cancer herself on and off since 1992. She was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, resulting a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy.

She then went into remission until 2013 when the cancer returned, with the Grease star undergoing another round of treatment. However the star was diagnosed once again in 2017 after a tumour was located in her lower spine.

Speaking about her second breast cancer diagnosis last September, which she chose to keep secret for six years, she told Channel Seven’s Sunday Night program: “I thought ‘I don’t really need to share this, it’s my life and something I wanted to keep to myself’.”

More than 1,000 people have been named this year and some of the other famous faces include Sir Elton John who is now a Companion of Honour, following his knighthood in 1998.

The exclusive order was founded by King George V for outstanding achievements in the arts, literature, music, science, politics, industry or religion. Membership is restricted to just 65 individuals.

Speaking about the award, The Rocketman singer wrote on Twitter: “I’m humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour. 2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.”

In addition, director of James Bond movie Skyfall Sam Mendes received a knighthood for services to film and theatre, while Queen drummer Roger Taylor has been awarded an OBE.

Sports stars are also among those on the list, including England Cricket ace Ben Stokes OBE, who was also recently named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. While England Test captain Joe Root was awarded an MBE for services to sport.

Companion of Honour is the highest accolade awarded, followed by a knight pr damehood. A CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) is the next highest honour, followed by OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and the BEM (British Empire Medal).