Joan Bakewell – once celebrated as “the thinking man’s crumpet” – becomes a dame in recognition of her services to television journalism. Ms Bakewell has been one of the most respected presenters and commentators on radio and television for more than 30 years.

In the world of showbusiness Des O’Connor, the veteran British singer, comic and TV chat show host, tops the media honours list with a CBE. O’Connor, 76, has been a leading light in the entertainment world since the 1950s and his show Des O’Connor Tonight ran for 25 years. Despite his age, he is still going strong and last year he took over from Des Lynam as host of Channel 4’s Countdown.

The comedienne and sketch writer Victoria Wood, 55, is appointed CBE for being one of the most accomplished sitcom writers and performers in Britain. She wrote and starred in the Dinnerladies TV series as well as Acorn Antiques, which was also turned into a West End musical. June Brown, 81, whose role as Dot Cotton – a gossiping, nosy busybody – is one of the longest-running characters in EastEnders, is appointed MBE.

The TV screenwriter Russell T. Davies, 45, is appointed OBE for services to drama. He is behind the revival of Doctor Who and the controversial drama series Queer As Folk.

The Liverpudlian entertainer Paul O’Grady, 53, who created the “Birkenhead Bombshell” Lily Savage and now has his own TV show on Channel 4, is appointed MBE. Eve Pollard, 62, former Editor of the Sunday Mirror and the Sunday Express, is appointed OBE for services to journalism and broadcasting.

The presenter and actor Justin Fletcher, 38, who appears on the BBC preschool TV channel CBeebies, is appointed MBE. So is Don Warrington, who played alongside Leonard Rossiter and Richard Beckinsale in Rising Damp. More recently he has appeared in Doctor Who and Grumpy Old Men.

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of 2009
• The 100 Worst Movies of 2009
• The 100 Best Films of the Decade