A host of celebrated figures from the worlds of entertainment, sport, and charity have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours list for 2025. Leading the list is acclaimed actor Idris Elba, who receives a knighthood for his dedicated campaigning against knife crime.
From Screen Star to Sir: Honours for Arts and Advocacy
Idris Elba, 53, long-tipped as a future James Bond, has been knighted for his services to tackling youth violence. Through his Elba Hope Foundation, the star of Luther and The Wire has championed youth advocacy. Sir Idris stated he was accepting the honour on behalf of the 'many young people' at his charity who inspire his work.
'I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence,' he said.
Other entertainment figures honoured include comedian Matt Lucas, 51, who receives an OBE, a decade after his former Little Britain partner David Walliams. Singer Ellie Goulding becomes an MBE on her 39th birthday, while Star Wars actor Warwick Davis, 55, is made an OBE for services to drama. Goodness Gracious Me actress Meera Syal, 64, becomes a Dame, and author Richard Osman is made an OBE.
Sporting Glory Recognised: Ice, Pitch, and Track
The sporting world is richly represented. Legendary ice dancers Jayne Torvill, 68, and Christopher Dean, 67, are made a Dame and a Knight respectively for services to ice skating and voluntary service. The pair, who won Olympic gold in 1984 and found new fame on Dancing on Ice, expressed their humility.
'It's such an amazing award to receive this and we're really humbled by it,' said Sir Christopher, who faced an agonising wait as his notification letter arrived three days after Dame Jayne's.
Following the Lionesses' second Euros victory, manager Sarina Wiegman, 56, receives an honorary damehood. Captain Leah Williamson, 28, is made a CBE, while teammates Alex Greenwood, 32, Keira Walsh, 28, Georgia Stanway, 26, and Ella Toone, 26, are made MBEs. Wiegman, who is Dutch, thanked the English people for their 'respect and warmth'.
In rugby, England Women's World Cup-winning coach John Mitchell, 61, is made an OBE, alongside players Marlie Packer, 36, and Zoe Aldcroft, 29. Three-time London marathon winner Paula Radcliffe, 52, receives an OBE.
Broad Recognition for Charity and Public Service
The honours list also celebrates contributions to charity and social justice. Paul Elliott, 78, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, is made an MBE for his charitable services, notably as an ambassador for Marie Curie following his brother Barry's death.
Zelda Perkins, former PA to Harvey Weinstein, is awarded a CBE for services to social justice following her campaign against non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer, 56, and broadcaster Gabby Logan, 52, are made OBEs.
This year's list demonstrates a commitment to diversity and regional representation. Half of all recipients at CBE level were women, and 67% across the board were from outside London and the South East, with 10% from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praised the recipients, saying: '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.'
