Actor Idris Elba and legendary ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were among more than 1,100 people named in King Charles III’s New Year honours list, published on Monday.
The annual list recognises individuals from politics, sports, the arts, business and community service, with awards ranging from Member, Officer and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (MBE, OBE, CBE) to the highest distinctions of knighthoods and damehoods.
Idris Elba, best known for his roles in television series Luther and The Wire, was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his campaigning against knife crime and his work mentoring young people.
Olympic ice dancing icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were also honoured for their contribution to British sport. Torvill was made a dame, while Dean received a knighthood. Their gold medal-winning 1984 Bolero routine remains one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.
Following England’s women’s football team’s back-to-back European Championship triumphs, head coach Sarina Wiegman was awarded an honorary damehood. Several players from the Lionesses squad were also recognised.
Oscar-nominated actor Cynthia Erivo received an OBE for her services to drama and music. Warwick Davis, known for roles in Star Wars, Harry Potter and Willow, and founder of the charity Little People UK, was also awarded an OBE.
Actor and writer Meera Syal, famed for Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42 and the novel Anita and Me, was made a dame for her contributions to the arts.
In the business sector, Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts and former National Grid head John Pettigrew were both awarded CBEs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the honours list “celebrates the very best of Britain,” recognising individuals who put the common good first and work to strengthen communities.
Recipients will formally receive their awards at investiture ceremonies at royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, later in 2026.
