Arise Sir Idris: Luther actor is knighted for his campaign against knife crime while the Lionesses lead sporting heroes recognised by the King in the New Year’s Honours

For years it has been speculated that he will take over Her Majesty’s secret service as the next James Bond, and now Idris Elba will be knighted by the King.

The Luther and The Wire star’s chances of becoming 007 may have diminished, but he is known for his campaigns against knife crime.

Sir Idris, 53, is among a host of celebrities to receive gongs at the New Year Honors, with ice dancers and Lionesses leading the stars of the sporting world.

The actor, whose youth advocacy his Elba Hope Foundation supports, said he accepted the honor on behalf of the ‘many young people’ at the charity that inspire his work.

Sir Idris said: ‘I hope we can do more to highlight the importance of ongoing, practical support for young people and the responsibility we all share to help them find alternatives to violence.’

Jayne Torvill, 68, and Christopher Dean, 67, were named Lady and Knight for their skating and volunteer service.

The duo rose to global fame after starring in Dancing on Ice after winning the Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Winter Games.

The actor, whose youth advocacy his Elba Hope Foundation supports, said he accepted the honor on behalf of the “many young people” at the charity that inspire his work.

Faced with an agonizing wait when his skating partner’s letter arrived three days later, Sir Christopher said: ‘It’s such a fantastic award to receive this and we’re really proud of it.’

Dame Jayne said the timing was ‘perfect’ as the pair completed their final tour earlier this year.

A year after former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate was given a knighthood, Lionesses’ Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, 56, has been given an honorary ladyship.

His team featured heavily following their second Euro win of the summer; Captain Leah Williamson, 28, did CBE and teammates Alex Greenwood (32), Keira Walsh (28), Georgia Stanway (26) and Ella Toone, also 26, also did MBES.

Wiegman, who could not receive a financial title of lady because she is not British, said: ‘I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for this honour.

‘When I first came to England I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I would receive from the British people. I deeply thank the fans for their support.’

Despite scoring the winning penalty in the final against Spain in Switzerland, 27-year-old Chloe Kelly missed out on the gong.

But a source said he needed to ‘keep an eye’ on future lists as he was ‘moving away’ from automatic awards being given to all teams ‘at once’.

Jayne Torvill, 68, and Christopher Dean, 67, were named Lady and Knight for their skating and volunteer service.

Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman was awarded an honorary dame title, while actor Alex Greenwood received an MBE

Others recognized include comedian Matt Lucas, 51, who was awarded the OBE 10 years after his controversial Little Britain partner David Walliams received the same title.

Harvey Weinstein’s former PA Zelda Perkins has been awarded a CBE for services to social justice following her campaign against non-disclosure agreements.

Singer Ellie Goulding, who turned 39 on Tuesday, became an MBE, while Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis, 55, was also made an OBE for services to drama.

It comes after Davis was given Bafta’s top honor in February for his advocacy work since his wife Samantha died of sepsis following complications from surgery.

Location, Location, Location star Phil Spencer, 56, was made OBE. He said: ‘I am so honored and humbled. I mean, that’s a terrible thing.’

Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay, 52, best known for her role as long-suffering Rovers Return landlady Shelley Unwin, was made an MBE.

Singer Ellie Goulding becomes MBE, while broadcaster Gabby Logan becomes OBE

Writer Roy Clarke, creator of the comedy series Last Of The Summer Wine, Open All Hours and Keeping Up Appearances, is knighted.

Paul Elliott, 78, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to charity.

He has been a key supporter and ambassador of Marie Curie since his brother Barry died of bone cancer in 2018 at the age of 73.

Paul said: ‘He’s a lad from the council estate in Rotherham and it’s a great honor to receive an MBE after all these years. I’m very royalist.’

Writer Richard Osman becomes OBE

Goodness Gracious Me actress Meera Syal, 64, becomes a Dame, broadcaster Gabby Logan, 52, and author Richard Osman become OBEs, while celebrity chef Marcus Wareing, 55, becomes an MBE.

Comedian and musician Bill Bailey, 60, and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, 38, became MBEs, while three-time London marathon winner Paula Radcliffe, 52, also became OBE.

England Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning coach John Mitchell (61) was made an OBE, along with players Marlie Packer (36) and Zoe Aldcroft (29). Teammates Ellie Kildunne (26), Sadia Kabeya (23) and Megan Jones (29) became MBEs

Half of all recipients at CBE level this year were women, and overall 67 per cent were from outside London and the South East, with 10 per cent from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘This year’s Honors list celebrates Britain’s best – people who put the common good before themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.

‘Their quiet devotion speaks to the decent, caring country we are proud to be. ‘On behalf of the entire nation, I thank you and congratulate everyone recognized today.’