Despite significant speculation at the end of last year that Bruce would be knighted in the New Year or Birthday Honours, nothing happened!

Since then there has been little talk of the plan to give our living legend the ultimate accolade. Does anybody know if there's a serious plan at No.10 to include him in the 2009 New Year List? The petition is still online and the deadline is October 28.

There's no need for a debate about whether or not he deserves it but does anybody know what is actually going to happen? I did wonder whether Downing Street might wait until he retires. But hopefully that need not be for a good few years (judging by his performance on the SCD Preview show) and he shouldn't have to wait any longer!

Does the silence so far mean nobody knows or nobody cares?

With the honours system - its all hush hush until the announcement is made.

Only the honours staff and the possible recipient know, and they aren't allowed to tell anyone on fear of having the offer withdrawn.

My aunt got an MBE a few years ago and she got the letter asking if she would take it in around October time (they have to check that people will actually take it before making the invitation), then the formal letter in November.

So the answer to your question is - only the honours office would have any idea who's name is on the list at the moment. Its unlikely that even Bruce would know if there was going to be an offer made.