Martin Lewis, Chris Whitty and Daniel Craig recognised in New Year Honours list

Martin Lewis, Chris Whitty and Daniel Craig are among the famous faces to be recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Consumer champion Lewis, who runs Money Saving Expert and was born in Withington, was made a CBE, while Whitty, England’s chief medical officer who led the nation’s battle against coronavirus, has been knighted.

Daniel Craig, who is now set to bow out as James Bond after the release of No Time To Die, has been given a special diplomatic honour which mirrors the award 007 has in Ian Fleming’s books.

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Craig was made a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Meanwhile, Tony Blair will be knighted with the highest possible ranking, Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, receiving an honour which previous Prime Ministers including Sir John Major have received.

The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, was also made a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter for her contribution to the monarchy.

Lewis, who also has his own TV show on ITV, revealed he almost missed out on the award after a letter was sent to his old address.

He said: “I was genuinely very surprised.

“I knew some people had nominated me but it was way past the time when you’re supposed to receive a letter.

“I then found out they had sent the letter to an old address and when I hadn’t responded they got in touch, so I was properly gobsmacked.”

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In addition to Whitty, other high profile health experts were recognised for their efforts in tackling Covid.

Dr Jenny Harries was made a dame, and England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam was knighted.

The Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, who was originally knighted in 2019, has been elevated to a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Sir Patrick said: “I am really pleased to see so many outstanding scientists and engineers recognised in this year’s honours, including those that have been working tirelessly as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Tennis star Emma Raducanu, 19, was made an MBE after stunning the world by becoming the first qualifier to win a grand slam title at the US Open in September.

Actresses Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave are both to be made dames.

Ashley Banjo from Diversity and Mel B will both receive an MBE.

The former Spice Girl was recognised for her work with charitable causes and vulnerable women, and the Got to Dance judge Banjo was honoured for services to dance.

TV presenter Kate Garraway has received the same honour after she documented her husband’s battle with Covid.

The GMB host been recognised for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

Her husband Derek Draper fell seriously ill with the virus, and she made an award winning documentary about their ordeal.

Songwriter Bernie Taupin, known for his long standing musical partnership with Sir Elton John, was made a CBE while 94-year-old Eastenders actress June Brown and Loose Women star Katie Piper were made OBEs.

Two supermarket bosses have been recognised for their work in maintaining food supplies during the pandemic.

Steve Murrells, chief executive of the Co-op Group, and Roger Burnley, who stepped down as Asda chief executive earlier this year, were both made CBEs.

Comedian Adam Hills, host of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, was made an MBE for services to Paralympic sport and disability awareness.

Olympians and Paralympians featured heavily in this year’s list after the summer games in Tokyo.

Cycling’s golden couple Jason and Laura Kenny were made a knight and a dame.

Diver Tom Daley, swimmer Adam Peaty and gymnast Max Whitlock were made OBEs.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “These recipients have inspired and entertained us and given so much to their communities in the UK or in many cases around the world.

“The honours are an opportunity for us to thank them, as a country, for their dedication and outstanding contribution.”