Crikey.. I'm Sir Stephen

Actor Fry's knight shock | Corrie pair awarded CBEs | Post Office 4 given gongs

- ASLEY COWBURN

SIR Stephen Fry has told how he thought "crikey" after being honoured with a knighthood in the King's New Year's Honours List.

The actor and national treasure known for BBC comedy Blackadder and hosting quiz show QI - is among 1200 people being recognised today, including Coronation Street legends Sarah Lancashire and Anne Reid.

Sir Stephen, who was honoured with a knighthood for his work to raise awareness of mental health, is also a patron of the charity Missing People which provides a lifeline to those people missing and their families.

He said he felt "startled and enchanted" after receiving a letter with news of his gong.

Sir Stephen said last night: "When you are recognised it does make you feel a bit 'crikey', but I think the most emotional thing is that when I think of my childhood, and my dreadful unhappiness and misery and stupidity, and everything that led to so many failures as a child.

"And for my parents, really, what a disaster. I mean every time the phone rang, they thought, 'Oh, God, what has Stephen done now'. It was a sort of joke in the family."

Former Coronation Street star Sarah Lancashire is among other TV legends recognised.

The Bafta-winning actress, 60, said last night news of her CBE for services to drama was an "unexpected delight".