Oldman, Pat Barker and Strictly stars join Beckham on birthday honours list

The actor Gary Oldman and the Who's frontman, Roger Daltrey, have been knighted in the king's birthday honours list, which also confirms a knighthood for David Beckham and the top gong of companion of honour for the Angel of the North sculptor Sir Antony Gormley.

- Caroline Davies

The Regeneration Trilogy author, Pat Barker, the former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt and the ceramicist Emma Bridgewater are among those to be made dames.

Beckham, 50, said he "never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour". The former England captain added: "It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family."

Beckham, honoured for services to sport and charity, had been on the verge of receiving a knighthood in 2014 but HM Revenue and Customs placed a red flag on his nomination because of his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. In 2021 it was reported that his finances had been cleared and he was now eligible.

Daltrey, 81, who launched the Teenage Cancer Trust's Royal Albert Hall concerts, said he would be celebrating with "a bottle of plonk". "It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much."

Oldman, 67, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Churchill in Darkest Hour and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in Slow Horses, is recognised for services to drama.