Essex-born singer Alison Moyet was one of dozens of famous faces recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Moyet, who was one of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s, has become an MBE for services to music.

The 59-year-old, from Billericay, began her career in a succession of punk bands before forming synth-pop duo Yazoo with former Depeche Mode musician Vince Clarke in 1981.

Their hits included Don’t Go and Only You.

Moyet embarked on a solo career following Yazoo’s disbandment in 1983 and a year later her debut album, Alf, went to number one in the UK.

Moyet, who has sold more than 23 million records around the world, last released an album in 2017, with Other.

She said the honour was a “remarkable, happy-making 60th birthday surprise”.

She added: “Basildon’s Alf with extra initials. I didn’t see that coming. Recognition for a life in music is always unpredictable and humbling. This doesn’t come with a goody bag or gym membership, so I don’t feel too bad a thief. Instead, I think of my grandparents who toiled so that I might prance.

“It makes me proud to be able to attach their history to this. Thank you.”

Singer Lulu – who shot to fame aged just 15 when Shout became a hit – has been made a CBE.

The singer, 72, has turned her hand to musical theatre, television and more across a six-decade career and is recognised for services to music, entertainment and charity.

Actor Jonathan Pryce, known for Game Of Thrones and Wolf Hall, has been given a knighthood. The actor has been recognised for services to drama and charity.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge and choreographer Arlene Phillips, 78, has been made a dame for services to dance and charity.

Roy Hodgson, Sue Barker and Kevin Sinfield are among the leading names from the world of sport to be recognised.

Former tennis star turned presenter Sue joins former England manager Hodgson in being awarded a CBE.

Sinfield, who was already an MBE, has been awarded an OBE in recognition of his successful career on and off the pitch in rugby league but also in raising over £2 million for research into motor neurone disease.

Current Three Lions internationals Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are both to be made MBEs.