Professor Whitty, 55, could receive the title in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list as he has been a “trusted source of wisdom” since the pandemic began. The “calm and unflappable” face of England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was a regular appearance on British televisions across the last several months with Professor Whitty delivering statistics and advice to millions of Brits across the country.

       Although his deadpan delivery of some news attracted the criticism of many across the nation, Ministers have attested that the CMO regularly puts in long hours at his desk.

       A senior source told The Sun, the honour is “thoroughly deserved.”

       They said: “Chris may often put on a dour face but that is exactly what was required during the dark days of lockdown.

       “Chris has been calm and unflappable throughout and is a trusted source of wisdom and knowledge.

       “He thoroughly deserves his honour.”

       The CMO already holds the lesser honour of ‘Companion of the Order of the Bath’ for his services to medicine during the ebola crisis.

       The expert on infectious diseases is also a practicing NHS consultant at University College London Hospitals and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

       According to The Times, his deputy, Professor Jonathan Van Tam, is also reportedly tipped for honours.

       READ MORE: M5 traffic latest: Lane closed after Christmas Day horror crash

       Professor Whitty became a household name almost overnight after he was made Britain’s CMO in October 2019, just a few short months before the pandemic hit the UK.

       Whitehall sources have previously described Professor Whitty as a private person who never discusses his interests or personal life.

       Earlier this year, video footage of two yobs abusing the Professor and filming themselves grabbing him in a headlock shocked thousands across Britain.

       At the time, Boris Johnson condemned the “thugs” saying he was “shocked” by the “despicable harassment”.

       DON'T MISS:

       Boris looks set to LOSE his OWN seat in humiliating polling [POLL]

       Liverpool Boxing Day horror: Man dies after being pulled from lake [INSIGHT]

       Mum's fury as service charge is added to bill at restaurant [SPOTLIGHT]

       He wrote on Twitter: “I condemn the behaviour of these thugs.

       “Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it.”