Damehood's the Cat's whiskers for icon Elaine

HONOUR FOR STAGE AND CHARITY WORK

- By Julia Kuttner

WEST End icon Elaine Page says she is "incredibly honoured and humbled" by being awarded a damehood in the King's Birthday List.

In her first interview since receiving the news, she admits she cannot wait for her special day at Buckingham Palace to receive her title.

The Memory singer also reveals she did not open the letter informing her of the honour until the day after it arrived, as she was busy preparing for a charity event.

Elaine, 77, says: "It hasn't changed me at all. I'm still just me, but to be made a dame, it's thrilling. I feel incredibly honoured and humbled by it.

"It's an acknowledgment of a life's work in theatre, in music, with charities.

"To be recognised for doing something you love? That's the greatest privilege."

The radio DJ is moved to be receiving the award partly for her longstanding ties to charity and she is about to host her annual West End Woofs with Broadway star Bernadette Peters in London next Saturday.