'Humbled' Clarke receives OBE

Nicky Clarke has said he felt "humbled" after receiving an OBE from the Queen.

The hairdresser, who has created styles for royalty, musicians and Hollywood actors, was honoured for more than 30 years service to his industry.

Over the years his clients have included Diana, Princess of Wales, George Michael, David Bowie and actress Liz Hurley.

Speaking about his OBE, Clarke said: "I know it's a cliche but I feel very humbled by it - it's fantastic. It's wonderful to be recognised for what you do."

He continued: "When my wife and I started the business we didn't quite realise the success it would be.

"The amount of people that have come through and been trained - it's been worthwhile and continues to be worthwhile."

Clarke grew up in a council house in south-east London and trained to be a stylist in the mid 1970s.

By the early 1990s, he had opened a salon with his wife in London's exclusive Mayfair.

Other ventures were opened in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, and a range of haircare products were launched. For the last five years he has also been the official stylist for the Bafta awards.

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