Arising stars: knighthood for Beckham and Daltrey

Elaine Paige and ex-minister Penny Mordaunt made dames

- BRYONY GOOCH

Former England football captain David Beckham, actor Gary Oldman and The Who’s Roger Daltrey have all been knighted, while stage performer Elaine Paige, novelist Pat Barker and exTory minister Penny Mordaunt were all given damehoods in the King’s birthday honours.

More than 1,200 people from across the UK were handed honours, with the top gong going to Sir Antony Gormley, the sculptor behind the Angel of the North, who was recognised for his services to art with a Companion of Honour.

Sir David was made a knight for his services to sport and charity – working with Unicef and Malaria No More – two decades after he was first made an OBE.

“Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,” said the former Manchester United star.

Dame Elaine was honoured for her services to charity and music, holding senior roles at two charities – the Children’s Trust and the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, which supports disabled tennis players.

“It’s all very exciting,” the West End legend said. “I’ve got all these different emotions coming at me all at once. I’m proud and I feel grateful and I’m thrilled and surprised, and so it’s been quite a lot to take in.”