The New Year Honours list for 2026, published on December 29, 2025, has once again shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals across the United Kingdom. This year’s roll call, comprising 1,157 recipients, recognizes a dazzling array of talent—ranging from sports icons and campaigners to artists and community champions—each of whom has left a unique mark on British life.
One of the most prominent names to emerge from this year’s list is Idris Elba, now Sir Idris, who has been knighted for his tireless charity work with young people. According to the BBC, Elba’s efforts include launching an anti-knife crime campaign and founding the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife, Sabrina. The foundation provides grants to organizations across the UK, the US, and Africa, aiming to empower young people and offer them opportunities that Elba himself once benefited from. Reflecting on the honor, Elba said, “I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.”
In the world of sport, England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame after guiding the Lionesses to their second consecutive European Championship title in the summer of 2025. Wiegman’s leadership not only brought silverware but also inspired a generation of young athletes. “When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced,” Wiegman shared, expressing gratitude for the support of fans and the broader football community.
The Lionesses’ triumph was further celebrated, with captain Leah Williamson being made a CBE and teammates Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood, and Georgia Stanway all receiving MBEs. Their achievements have resonated far beyond the football pitch, symbolizing progress and unity in women’s sport. The recognition extended to the Red Roses, England’s women’s rugby union team, after their World Cup victory. Players Zoe Aldcroft and Marlie Packer, along with head coach John Mitchell, were awarded OBEs, while Ellie Kildunne, Megan Jones, and Sadia Kabeya received MBEs.
Figure skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, whose 1984 Olympic performance to Ravel’s Boléro remains iconic, were honored for their services to ice skating and voluntary work. Torvill was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), while Dean received a knighthood. According to Classic FM, their accolades mark a fitting capstone to careers that have inspired millions. Dame Jayne remarked, “It was a big thing for us to mark our career before retirement, and then receiving this award at the end of the year, it’s just finished everything. It’s perfect.” Sir Christopher added, “We’re really humbled by it.”
The arts and entertainment world was equally represented in this year’s list. Meera Syal, a trailblazer in British Asian comedy and drama, was made a dame for her contributions to drama, literature, and charity. Syal’s work on shows like Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42 has been pivotal in broadening cultural representation on British television. Warwick Davis, beloved for roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter, was awarded an OBE, expressing his delight: “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars.”
Other notable honorees in entertainment include Richard Osman and Matt Lucas, both receiving OBEs, and Cynthia Erivo, who was appointed an MBE. Erivo, recognized for her achievements in musical theatre and film—including her starring role in Wicked and its 2025 sequel—described her honor as “an honour I could never have thought would happen.” Comedian Bill Bailey, actor Sally Lindsay, and children’s TV star Paul Chuckle were also made MBEs, highlighting the breadth of talent celebrated this year.
Music and the arts saw further recognition, with composer Max Richter being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his innovative classical-electronic compositions and memorable film soundtracks. Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, a regular performer at leading opera houses, was also awarded a CBE, adding to her previous OBE from 2018. According to Classic FM, Richter’s modern reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and his soundtrack work for films such as Waltz with Bashir have cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s most inventive composers.
Community service and campaigning were also front and center. Betty Brown, the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, was appointed an OBE for her relentless campaigning against wrongful prosecutions. She pledged to wear the award in honor of other subpostmasters affected by the scandal. Holocaust survivors Lydia Tischler and Mervyn Kersh were recognized for their services to Holocaust remembrance and education. Kersh, a British Army veteran who helped liberate Bergen-Belsen, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), while Tischler received an MBE for her contributions to child psychology and remembrance efforts.
Political figures featured on the list as well, with former Labour minister Anneliese Dodds being made a dame, and ex-MPs Jonathan Ashworth and Tristram Hunt recognized for their public service. Hunt, a historian and director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, was knighted for his contributions to the arts and heritage sector. Ashworth, lauded for his charity work supporting children of alcoholics, received a CBE, saying, “It was never something I expected. Speaking up for the thousands of children who suffer in silence is something that matters deeply to me.”
Sports personalities beyond football and rugby were also honored. Olympic runner Paula Radcliffe became an OBE, while former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy was appointed a CBE for his services to charity and the community. Welsh rugby player Jonathan Davies was similarly recognized for his work with the Velindre Cancer Care Trust.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer summed up the spirit of this year’s list, stating, “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain—people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be.”
Rounding out the list, the youngest recipient was 20-year-old Olympic gold medalist Toby Roberts, honored for his achievements in sports climbing, while the oldest was 102-year-old John Hearn, recognized for his contributions to judo and his local community in north-east England.
This year’s New Year Honours list offers a vivid snapshot of a nation celebrating not only its brightest stars but also the unsung heroes whose dedication shapes the everyday fabric of British society.
