Bond alumni Bert Kwouk awarded an OBE in New Year's Honours

James Bond cast member Bert Kwouk was amongst the few actors recognised in the latest New Year's Honours list.

Kwouk, who became known to millions as Inspector Closeau's servant Kato (which, for the benefit of completists, it should be noted was later changed to Cato) will be awarded an OBE.

Although he is best known to James Bond fans through his appearances in "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice" as well as the 1967 spoof "Casino Royle", the film role that came to define his career was as Kato in the second Pink Panther film, 1964's "A Shot in the Dark", opposite Peter Sellers.

He also gained a whole new generation of fans on "Last of the Summer Wine", which he joined in 2003. The BBC1 comedy finally came to an end after 37 years and 295 episodes this year.

Also amongst the other thespian recipients was David Suchet, known around the world for his performances as detective Hercule Poirot. Suchet performed as the titular character in the 2008 BBC radio play adaptation of Ian Fleming's "Dr. No", and was also once linked with a role in "Casino Royale" (2008).

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