Dame Esther Rantzen has criticised leaks from the honours list, insisting names should be kept secret until the day of the announcement.
The Childline founder and TV presenter, whose own gong in the New Year Honours emerged publicly beforehand, said she suspected whoever was revealing the information was “doing it for money”.
The comments came after it was reported that actor and comedian Lenny Henry is to be given a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours this weekend, and that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch is to receive a CBE.
Dame Esther said recipients were notified weeks in advance and urged to “keep it confidential”.
She said her mother had always told her that “if you leak the honour they, come, the Yeomen of the Guard come and remove it”.
“I think it is mean, it is like opening a Christmas present before Christmas Day. It is like giving away the end of the Mousetrap. We could all do that,” she said.
“There is someone in the mysterious smoke-filled rooms who is looking at the list.
“I think whoever is doing it, I am sure they are doing it for money, and I think they are being paid quite a lot, because Lenny Henry, a big name, and big articles and front page and all that.
“But I wish they wouldn’t because it is taking candy from a baby. The nation like the surprise package.”
Dame Esther also asked Today presenter John Humphrys whether he had been offered an honour.
“I’m just not going there,” he replied.
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