TV3: Second Queen's honour for Sir Ian McKellen (Dec 30)

Second Queen's honour for Sir Ian McKellen
30-Dec 09:18
Sir Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is up for his second honour by the Queen in the New Years Honours List.

Sir Ian - most recently known for playing the role of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies will receive a Companion of Honour for services to acting and championing the causes of diversity.

He is a founding member of gay-rights group Stonewall and also stepped into a debate about decriminalising homosexual activity in Singapore on a recent visit there.

Sir Ian was awarded a CBE in 1979 and knighted in 1991.

Additionally, British journalist turned chat-show host Michael Parkinson has been knighted in the New Years Honours list.

Sir Michael was given a CBE in 2000 and an honorary doctorate in 1999.

He joins pop-diva Kylie Minogue and Jethro Tull front-man Ian Anderson in receiving honours this year.

England rugby coach Brian Ashton will also be honoured by the Queen.