The Queen is set to dish out official titles to several people in Tower Hamlets in the New Year’s Honours – but Mile End resident Danny Boyle, who masterminded the Olympics opening ceremony, was conspicuous by his absence on the list of recipients.

The Hollywood director won widespread acclaim for the spectacular show that launched London 2012, but he’s previously hinted he would turn down offers of official gongs. It’s not known whether the star rejected a New Year’s honour, but speaking to the Advertiser ealier this month, he said: “New Year Honours? That’s not for me. It’s not my cup of tea.”

But another of the borough’s famous residents was only too happy to accept a gong, and artist Tracey Emin said she was “thrilled” with her CBE.

The 49-year-old, who grew up in Margate but now lives in Shoreditch, shot to fame with a series of controversial artwork including one of her most famous pieces, My Bed, which featured her unmade bed littered with condoms and cigarette packets.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s been insane trying to keep it a secret, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the look on my mum’s face!

“For me this honour is a symbol of how art can change people’s perception of life and view the world in a different way.”

The New Year’s Honours are designed to reward people from everyday life who excel in their fields or help others.

Dr Geetha Nagasubramanian admitted she was “stunned” when her husband called her when she was away in India to tell her she had been offered an MBE.

The Barts Health NHS Trust consultant gynaecologist is head of service at Tower Hamlets contraception and sexual health services and was nominated for services to women and young people by her manager.

She said: “I was totally surprised and shocked. I feel very humbled to be picked and nominated.”

Other Tower Hamlets residents who received honours include Jacqueline Anne Brock-Doyle, the director of communications and public affairs for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) who was awarded an OBE for services to London 2012, and Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden, co-founders of Tatty Devine, who both received MBEs for services to the fashion industry.

Emdadur Rahman, a journalist and community volunteer from Ilford, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Tower Hamlets and to the Bangladeshi media, while Asim Iftikhar, who also lives in Ilford, received an MBE for services to the community in Poplar.