Leeds pop star Mel B to pick up MBE at Buckingham Palace

She was made an MBE in the New Years Honours list for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 4th May 2022

Leeds pop star Mel B is among those due to receive royal honours at Buckingham Palace later.

The 46-year-old, whose real name is Melanie Brown, will be given her MBE for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women.

She rose to prominence as Scary Spice in pop group the Spice Girls during the 1990s, with chart-topping hits such as Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life, and became a patron of the charity Women's Aid in 2018.

Watford Football Club manager Roy Hodgson, 74, who was England boss during a four-year stint from 2012 to 2016, will also receive his honour at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Hodgson was made a CBE in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to football.

Others collecting awards include radio presenter Simon Mayo and actress Ruth Wilson.

Paralympians Chris Ryan and Thomas Young will also be honoured at the ceremony.

The presenter, who has also written six novels and hosted a critically acclaimed film review show with Mark Kermode, was made an MBE in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours list for his service to broadcasting and charity.

Meanwhile, Wilson, 40, who has starred in hit TV series such as The Affair and Luther and won two Olivier awards, will also be honoured on Wednesday.

The actress was made an MBE in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to drama.

She will be joined by wheelchair rugby player Ryan, 30, who was part of the GB team that won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

He was made an MBE for services to wheelchair rugby in the 2022 New Year Honours list.

Fellow Paralympian Young, who won the gold medal in the men's 100 metres T38 event in Tokyo, will receive his award as well.

The 21-year-old was also made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for services to athletics.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.