Joan Collins, Carol Ann Duffy made Dames in New Year Honours

The 2015 New Year Honours list has been officially unveiled.

There’s good new for legendary Dynasty actress Joan Collins and lesbian poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who have both been made Dames, while Kristin Scott Thomas and Ester Ranzen have also received the honour in the Queen’s annual list.

Carol Ann Duffy became the first woman and LGBT person to hold the position of poet laureate when she was awarded the position in 2009.

Meanwhile, Harry Potter star John Hurt has also been knighted for his services to acting, while James Corden and Sheridan Smith have been awarded OBE for their own services to the stage and screen.

Comedian and author Meera Syal and music producer Peter Asher have also become CBEs.

Joan Collins – who was made an OBE for her contribution to the arts in 1997 – said that she was “thrilled and truly grateful” after being recognised for services to charity, while Scott Thomas, added that she was “thrilled, astonished and worried that I might suddenly wake up”.

Earlier this year, the Attitude team each picked who they’d like to see made a Dame next – click here to see if you agree with their choices.

In This Article: