The psephologist, who has become the face of election polling on British TV thanks to his exit poll and analysis, was awarded the knighthood for services to social sciences and politics.

Curtice studied politics, philosophy and economics at Magdalen College, Oxford and went to Strathclyde University in the late 1980s. He has been a regular contributor to NatCen’s British Social Attitudes Report since 1986 and has been an editor of its since 1994.

He is also president of the British Polling Council.

His regular appearances on election night on the BBC, along with ongoing political polling commentary has made him something of a cult figure. There is even a dedicated Twitter account @JohnCurticeOnTV that monitors his TV appearances, with more than 9,000 followers. 

He said: "Just six months ago the exit poll I led surprised everyone with a shock prediction that went on to be uncannily accurate.  Now it is my turn to be surprised – and humbled – by the gracious decision to grant me a knighthood.

"It is not something I ever expected to happen. But it appears my attempts to analyse public opinion and outline its implications for the country’s political life are appreciated, and for that I am duly grateful."