Laurie honoured by Queen

Laurie Holloway receives his OBE from the Queen.

OLDHAM-BORN pianist Laurie Holloway received an MBE from the Queen for services to music.

The 75-year-old Latics fan wrote the theme tunes for many TV shows including “Blind Date”, “Beadle’s About” and “Game for a Laugh”.

Laurie lived in Trafalgar Street with his parents, Marcus and Annie, until he left Oldham as a teenager.

The former pupil of Oldham Grammar School, who now lives in Bray near Maidenhead, played with bands at local dance venues, including Hill Stores, as a teenager, turning professional when he was 16.

He was musical director for the “Parkinson” show for 10 years and the first musical director for “Strictly Come Dancing”.

Laurie, who has two daughters and three grandsons, started the Montgomery Holloway Charitable Trust, with his late wife, accomplished American jazz singer, Marion Montgomery.

He said: “I am flattered to receive this honour and very pleased because it is nice to be recognised for doing something you really enjoy.”