Sunday January 1st The Queen publishes her New Year Honours list. Last year, actors David Suchet and Sheila Hancock, composer Howard Goodall, golfer Graeme McDowell and singer and political activist Annie Lennox were recognized for their outstanding achievement and service across the UK.

Friday 13 January News Corp can once again bid for BSkyB. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, which owns 39% of shares in the satellite broadcaster, withdrew its bid to take over BSkyB in July 2011.

Tuesday 24 January Nominees for the 84th Academy Awards are announced in Los Angeles, as Hollywood prepares to honor the best films of 2011.