![Lord Of The Dance](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10252/384708/5dcfad4a2f531/LORD-OF-THE-DANCE.jpg)
Since I last spoke to the inspirational choreographer, more than five years ago, his fistful of awards and momentous achievements seem to have doubled, and to add to the mix, a knighthood too.
‘There are so many now, it is crazy to be honest,’ explains Matthew. ‘I suppose you can’t beat a knighthood, can you? It is so special and very unexpected. I know some people who can be blasé about it, but I am not going to be one of those people,’ he adds with a smile.
Of course, there will be the countless perks, but I had to ask him, has anything else changed since becoming a knight of the realm?
‘Interestingly it makes me much more of a spokesperson for my profession,’ he says. ‘You become a spokesperson for the world you are in and for me that is the dance world. You get asked to be a patron for a lot of things and it is another way to serve the world that has been good to you. That is the way I see it.’
Since being knighted in 2016, local opportunities have arisen, which has seen Matthew revisiting his Essex roots. ‘My parents lived in my family home in Walthamstow until they died, so since then I didn’t really have a reason to go back. However, a few years ago my old primary school, William Pitt, and my old secondary school, Sir George Monoux College, got in touch with me. I have done projects with them, tours and there is a theatre named after me at the college now.’
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![The rise of maskne](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8eea3b74f95/crp_The-rise-of-maskne.jpg)
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
![The forgotten lady](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee4f29cb7e/crp_The-forgotten-lady.jpg)
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
![Stride out in the Sampfords](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee1abd46f5/crp_Stride-out-in-the-Sampfords.jpg)
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
![MUCH TO TALK ABOUT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee816a7c9d/crp_MUCH-TO-TALKABOUT.jpg)
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
![LIFE and SOUL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edcff21042/crp_LIFE-and-SOUL.jpg)
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
![Lest we forget](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edeb89888f/crp_Lest-we-forget.jpg)
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
![Lakeside Magic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee0a0a18f8/crp_Lakeside-Magic.jpg)
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
![Keep on running](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edba961078/crp_Keep-on-running.jpg)
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
![Cheers!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee95b8a192/crp_Cheers.jpg)
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
![A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee2e749993/crp_A-doggy-day-out-on-Saffron-Walden.jpg)
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town