Vicki Michelle made her professional acting debut playing opposite Dudley More in Woody Allen’s play, Play It Again Sam. Following a short UK tour, the production transferred to London’s West End and was to mark the beginning of a long and illustrious career for the actress. Her big break came when she was cast as the seductive waitress Yvette Carte-Blanche in the BAFTA nominated, award winning and hugely popular BBC sitcom, Allo Allo written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft. It was to make Vicki a household name not just in this country but worldwide with the stage version taking her all over Australia and New Zealand as well as round the UK and back to the West End. With the recognition came numerous requests for personal appearances and an ever increasing fan following. It was at this time that Vicki decided to seize the opportunity to become involved with charity work.

Over the years her commitment to charity work has continued to grow and she is currently Patron to a number of major UK charities, stage schools and local organisations in addition to being a member of The Grand Order of Lady Ratlings and President of The Lady Taverners Essex Branch. Now, affectionately labelled by the British press and media as ‘an icon’ for her continued work and performing popularity, it is completely accurate to say that she has never stopped working  throughout her career with the year 2010 seeing her celebrate an incredible 40 years in showbusiness. It is also perhaps fitting therefore, that the same year should see her Honoured by Her Majesty The Queen with an MBE for her services to charity. For Vicki, the news came completely out of the blue and as something of a shock. “When I picked up the post that morning, I glanced at the envelope and thought it was from Inland Revenue”, she laughs. “I had to read the letter twice before I realized what it was about. Even then it didn’t really sink in. I just didn’t believe it was going to happen. The most difficult part was keeping it a secret because you’re not allowed to say anything to anyone until the official announcement. I couldn’t even tell my family”.

The Investiture itself took place at 11am on October 20^th at Buckingham Palace with the Honour bestowed by The Queen herself. It was, as one would expect a very special occasion conducted with all the pomp, ceremony and precision timing for which the British Monarchy is synonymous, amid the splendour of The State Ballroom. For Vicki and her family it was a day they will never forget. Accompanied by her husband Graham, daughter Louise and mother Joan, the day began very early to ensure there were no problems getting through the London traffic. Once at the Palace, Vicki and the other recipients were advised on the course of events while the rest of the family took their seats in readiness for the ceremony.  As expected, the event proved to be one of great pride and emotion for Vicki’s family and for the actress herself there was the added excitement and nerves of actually meeting and speaking to the British Monarch. “To receive the MBE was amazing”, said Vicki afterwards. “It was a great great honour and truly humbling.

It was a fantastic day and to meet The Queen is one of the highlights of my life. I was amazed at how well informed she was on what I have done. To have my Mum and my daughter and husband there and see them so proud, it was the icing on the cake. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect anything like this to happen. I do charity work because I enjoy it and because I want to do it, I always have. I think it is important to give something back and it makes me really happy to see smiles on people’s faces. Never did I think I could or would be rewarded for it, it never came into the equation”. Following the presentations and photo calls, Vicki and her family enjoyed a short celebratory lunch with members of the Lords Taverners before the actress was driven ironically, to the Theatre Royal in Windsor where she was due on stage that evening to appear in the Ray Cooney, Chas and Dave musical Stop Dreamin, proving the old adage ‘the show must go on’. It wasn’t until the final curtain was lowered that Vicki finally allowed herself a glass of champagne with cast and friends to reflect on the day.