ROSS King has come a long way from Knightswood to Hollywood.

But the broadcaster and showman made sure he celebrated being awarded his recent MBE in the Honours List, back in Glasgow.

Ross staged a huge party in St Andrew’s On The Square, in Glasgow’s Calton.

And the former 18th century church proved the perfect splendid setting for 200-plus specially-invited guests to applaud their star friend.

Ross said: “It’s amazing to be here with so many pals. And who would have believed I’d get an MBE?”

The award-winning TV personality however managed to stage a surprise which left his guests open-mouthed with delight.

He teased them perfectly when he read out a congratulatory text from singer Jason Donovan.

He told those assembled how the former Neighbours star had ended the text by saying how sorry he was not to be there.

“I followed Jason into the Rocky Horror Show,” added Ross. “And he was a hard act to follow. But right now he’s back in Australia, and sends his good wishes.”

Except that he wasn’t. Jason Donovan was in the wings ready to leap on the stage to the delight of the 200 plus crowd.

Jason went on to sing Too Many Broken Hearts and Any Dream Will Do.

However, Jason Donovan wasn’t the only celebrity to appear at the east end bash.

The guests on the night read like a Who’s Who? Of Scottish radio.

Broadcasting legend Tiger Tim Steven appeared looking tanned and happy.

Tim’s former Radio Clyde MD Paul Cooney was on hand to applaud Ross King as were ex-presenters such as Dave Marshall, Sheila Duffy and Gary Marshall.

Comedy star Allan Stewart not only arrived to congratulate his friend, but soon transformed into his stage character Auntie May, to read “a special poem.”

Actor Paul Young and businessman Tom Hunter appeared on the night to congratulate Ross King on his award, as did Lord and Lady Haughey.

But those assembled agreed the award was entirely deserved.

Ross King, now married to actress Brianna Deutsch, began his showbiz career working as a Saturday Boy at Radio Clyde.

By the age of 17 he was fronting his own show, the youngest presenter in British radio.

But his meteoric rise was only beginning. Ross took off to London where he hecame a top television presenter in shows such as Pebble Mill and Young Kryton Factor.

However, the Glasgow showman has produced some surprise moves in his career.

Ross became a West End theatre star and then moved to Los Angeles where he landed work as a weatherman on a television station.

Fast forward a little and the young man from Knightswood emerged as an award-winning TV entertainment journalist, hanging out with movie star pals such as Gerard Butler.

And he went on to write a best-selling novel with Shari Low

At his special MBE party night, which he gained for services to broadcasting and charity. he spoke of his parents and how they would been so proud of his achievement.

He spoke of his journey to success but those gathered knew none of it came without hard work.

“I think tenacity has made me successful,” said Ross. “I’ve always had that drive to make things happen.”