Idris Elba and Lionesses lead new year honours list as more than 1,100 recognised
Idris Elba and England’s victorious women’s football and rugby teams top the new year’s honors list, with more than 1,100 people honored this year.
Elba, known for his roles Wire And LutherShe became Sir Idris after being honored for her services to young people, while the Lionesses’ Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman was given an honorary dame award after leading England to victory in the Euros twice.
England Women’s captain Leah Williamson became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone were recognized as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The stars are among 1,157 new year honorees from across the UK, from sports and arts champions to foster carers, healthcare workers and young people’s supporters. The Cabinet Office said there was a particular focus this year on people who go above and beyond for their communities, reflecting the values of “decency, compassion and belief in the common good”.
Ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean Bad star Cynthia Erivo, presenter and author Richard Osman, marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, singer Ellie Goulding, former chief executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard, D-Day veteran and a woman thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal will be recognized among others.
Sir Idris, 53, who founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development, said: “I accept this honor on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience drive the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.
“I hope we can do more to highlight the importance of ongoing and practical support for young people and the responsibility we all share to help them find alternatives to violence.”
Meanwhile, Wiegman, who won the Euro twice with England and once with the Netherlands, said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour. When I first came to England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I received from the British people. Thank you very much to the fans for their support.”
Members of the England Women’s Rugby World Cup winning team are also strongly represented; Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft each become Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), along with coach John Mitchell. Teammates Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya and Megan Jones became MBEs after the Red Roses defeated Canada in the final in September.
Mitchell said: “I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition, but I would also like to make clear that it reflects the work of the Red Roses World Cup-winning team and the outstanding staff around them.”
Prime Minister 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 dedication speaks to the decent, caring country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you and congratulations to everyone recognized today.”
Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, who took home the Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Winter Games and achieved success at the World, European and British Championships, are receiving their respective titles of dame and knight for their services to ice skating and voluntary service.
The duo who became the faces of the celebrity competition Dancing on IceHe said the honor was “wonderful and humbling at the same time.”
They join other stars who rose to fame through notable partnerships, including Paul Elliott, MBE, half of the Chuckle Brothers, and Matt Lucas, half of the comedy duo behind the scenes. Little Britain (the other half being David Walliams), who also becomes OBE.
Osman, who wrote the Thursday Murder Club book series; Radcliffe, a three-time London Marathon winner who held the women’s marathon world record for 16 years; publicist Gabby Logan; football commentator Clive Tyldesley; and actor Warwick Davis all became BBEs.
Osman, 55, said he was “absolutely thrilled” with the honour, while Davis, also 55, said: “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’ve been in Star Wars.”
Erivo was made an MBE for services to music and drama, and Goulding was made an MBE for services to biodiversity and climate. Location, Location, Location Presenter Phil Spencer and comedian Bill Bailey were also awarded MBEs.
Author Roy Clarke, creator of sitcoms The Last of the Summer Wine, Open All Hours And Maintaining ViewsWhile being knighted, both Mrs. Pritchard and Gambles at No 42 actor Meera Syal was recognized as a woman.
Meanwhile, Betty Brown, 92, thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, said it was “shocking” to be appointed OBE as she sought justice for sub-postmasters.
D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, 101, said it was “a wonderful thing” to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Holocaust commemoration and education.
Meanwhile, in politics, former development minister Anneliese Dodds is a woman, while former Labor MP and former chairman of the think tank Labor Together, Jonathan Ashworth, has been appointed CBE.
Former Tory leader Lord William Hague has been named a commander in the Royal Victorian Order for his services to Royal Foundation charities and nature conservation, while former Labor MP Tristram Hunt, who is now director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, has also been knighted.
Orlando Fraser, former chairman of the Charity Commission, has been awarded a CBE.
Half of all recipients at CBE level and above are women, marking the strongest female representation since 2020, the Cabinet Office said.
Across the list, 10 per cent are from ethnic minority backgrounds (5 per cent Asian, 3 per cent Black, 2 per cent mixed race and 1 per cent other), 5 per cent identify as LGBT+ and 15 per cent report having a disability or long-term health condition.
Additionally, 36 per cent are from lower socio-economic backgrounds and 67 per cent live outside London and the South East.
The oldest person on the list is 102-year-old John Hearn, one of four centenarians to receive a BEM for services to judo and the community in north-east England. This year’s youngest winner, aged 20, is Olympic gold medalist sport climber Toby Roberts, MBE, from Elstead in Surrey.
