Baldrick has the last laugh on Blackadder as pair honoured

But the roles are reversed today as Tony Robinson, who played servant Baldrick, is given a knighthood while fellow actor Rowan Atkinson is awarded a CBE.

Sir Tony’s honour recognises his wider campaigning and political work.

He said: “I’ll use my new title with abandon to highlight the causes I believe in, particularly the importance of culture, the arts and heritage in our society, and the plight of the infirm elderly and their carers.

“I also pledge that from this day on I’ll slaughter all unruly dragons, and rescue any damsels in distress who request my help.”

Aongside his roles on screen, Robinson has had a lengthy association with politics, first as a local Labour activist and later in a senior position at actors’ union Equity, acting as vice president and helping to transform its fortunes. He then took a place on the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee in 2000.

He later became the public face of archaeology through Channel 4’s Time Team.

Mr Atkinson’s honour comes a year after he starred in the Olympics opening ceremony as his comedy creation Mr Bean.

He first found fame as part of the team behind satirical television show Not The Nine O’Clock News before taking the leading role in Blackadder.

In addition to Mr Bean, he has gone on to star in major films including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Johnny English.

“It came as a genuine surprise and is a great honour,” he said.