John Barrowman and Julie Gardner have both been made a MBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Barrowman played Captain Jack Harkness in 11 episodes of Doctor Who from 2005 – 2010, and was also given his own spin-off series Torchwood, which ran from 2006 – 2011. The honour was given for his services to entertainment as well as his contributions to charity.
Gardner was a key member of the team responsible for the revival of Doctor Who back in 2005. She was brought into the project in 2003 to work with Russell T Davies on relaunching the series for a whole new generation. She was involved in the casting of two Doctors, Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, and creating two spin-off series, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. She now works as Senior Vice President Scripted Projects for BBC Worldwide America.
Barrowman is currently in Australia promoting his drama series Arrow, but has posted a video online expressing his reaction to the news – http://telly.com/1LAD2L7
The honour makes both John and Julie a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The award is given by HM Queen Elizabeth on the advice of the British Government.
A huge congratulations from all of us here at Doctor Who 24/7. Very well deserved indeed!