Impresario Bill Kenwright, who is made a CBE, has developed from Coronation Street actor into one of the most powerful figures in the UK's theatre industry.

Kenwright has been rewarded for his services to theatre and film, although his ownership of Everton football club has caught more of the headlines.

He had acting roles in BBC One police drama Z Cars and was Gordon Clegg, the illegitimate son of Betty Turpin, in Coronation Street.

But he hated being in the soap and left after one year.

When he was unable to find stage parts due to being too well known as Clegg, he ended up producing his own shows, starring himself.

Stage hits

His break came when he acquired the rights to the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, touring it around the UK for 13 years.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, who co-wrote the production with Sir Tim Rice, finally bought the rights back for �1m.

Kenwright produced more and more hits like Blood Brothers, which he later took to New York, including Shirley Valentine and An Ideal Husband.

He moved into the movie world producing the film Us Begins with You.

Kenwright was also a long-time partner of theatre director Sir Peter Hall, until two years ago.