Luther’s Idris Elba and Thursday Murder Club’s Richard Osman recognised in New Year Honours list

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The New Year Honours list for 2026 is out, and many well-known figures from British television, film, music, and sports have been honoured.

I was so thrilled to hear Idris Elba received a knighthood! He’s an incredible actor, of course – I’ve loved him in shows like The Wire, Luther, and Hijack – but it’s his dedication to helping young people through his charity work that really makes me admire him. It’s fantastic to see him recognized for all he does off-screen as well.

In addition to his acting, Idris Elba actively works to combat knife crime and runs the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife, Sabrina. This charity operates in the UK, the US, and Africa, focusing on providing young people with better educational and economic opportunities and preparing them for the future.

Earlier this year, Idris Elba hosted a BBC documentary called ‘Our Knife Crime Crisis’. In it, he spoke with people affected by knife crime – including victims, those who committed the crimes, police officers, and families who had lost loved ones – to understand the issue better and challenge common misconceptions.

When accepting the award, Elba explained that he was doing so to represent the talented, ambitious, and determined young people who make the work of the Elba Hope Foundation possible.

Actress Meera Syal has been made a Dame in recognition of her work in television, books, and charitable causes. In addition to her acting career, she’s a successful author of novels and plays, and was one of the creators of the popular BBC comedy show, Goodness Gracious Me. She was previously awarded an MBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2015.

Roy Clarke, the writer behind classic comedies like Last of the Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances, has been knighted. Richard Osman, author of The Thursday Murder Club, and actor Warwick Davies have both received OBEs. Also honored with OBEs were Gabby Logan, from Match of the Day, and football commentator Clive Tyldesley.

Sally Lindsay, Bill Bailey, Paul Chuckle, chef Marcus Wareing, and TV presenter Phil Spencer were also honored with MBEs on the list.

This year was hugely successful for the England women’s football team, and their coach, Sarina Wiegman, has been highly praised for it. She’s been made a Dame after the team, known as the Lionesses, won their second European Championship.

Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach, has been awarded a damehood, but because she is not a British citizen, she won’t actually use the title ‘Dame’. After receiving the honor, Wiegman shared, “When I came to England, I never expected to feel so welcomed and respected. I’m truly grateful for the fans’ incredible support.”

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the famous ice skating pair, have been honored with a damehood and knighthood. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, has been appointed an MBE and expressed her surprise and delight, calling it “an honor I could never have imagined.”

Ellie Goulding, the singer, has been made an MBE for her environmental work. Olympic runner Paula Radcliffe has been appointed an OBE.

Betty Brown, the oldest person still living who was wrongly convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal, has been awarded an OBE for her work fighting for justice. After receiving the honor, she said she would wear it to remember and honor the other subpostmasters affected.

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Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

I’m Morgan Cormack, and I write about all things drama for TopMob – basically, anything you’re watching on TV or streaming! Before this, I was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. I’ve also done a bit of everything – content marketing, freelancing – and I actually studied English Literature in college, which I think really helps me break down what makes a good story.

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2025-12-30 15:06