Queer as Folk creator receives an OBE

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Mr Davies who revived Doctor Who for the BBC in addition to creating spin off Torchwood has been honoured for services to drama.

He said: “I’m delighted to accept, and I hope it does the whole industry a bit of good, for the writing of television drama to be recognised.”

In May he announced that writer Steven Moffat will replace him for the fifth series of Doctor Who, which will air in 2010.

The gay comedian Paul O’Grady is another profile gay celebrities to have been honoured.
Mr O’Grady, who first shot to fame as drag queen Lily Savage, now hosts a chat show for Channel 4.
He said: “It is a very nice birthday present. I’m really pleased, really surprised. It’s something I’d never even thought about.”

“I’m the last person, I’d have thought, who would be given an MBE.

“What have I done to deserve it? I’ve just sat there night after night banging out telly.

“The thought of getting this would have never even entered my head when I first started out.”

For more on the others honoured today, please click here