Ice dancing icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been honoured with a damehood and a knighthood respectively in the King's New Year Honours list for 2026. The prestigious awards recognise their immense services to ice skating and voluntary work, coming over four decades after their legendary Olympic gold medal performance in Sarajevo in 1984.
Sporting Excellence Celebrated Nationwide
The honours list provides a spectacular showcase for British sporting success, particularly in women's team sports. England women's football head coach Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood following the Lionesses' triumphant defence of their European Championship title at Euro 2025. Several of her key players have also been recognised for their contributions.
Similarly, members of England's victorious Women's Rugby Union World Cup squad, the Red Roses, have been celebrated. Captain Zoe Stratford, teammate Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell are all appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Three more squad members—Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne—receive MBEs.
A Fitting Finale for Torvill and Dean
For Torvill, 68, and Dean, 67, the royal accolades mark a poignant full stop on a year that saw them complete their farewell UK tour before retirement. Speaking to the Press Association, Dame Jayne described the timing as "perfect," reflecting on the joy of their final tour. Sir Christopher confirmed their retirement is absolute, stating, "Happy now – retired, that's it. The body's had over 50 years of skating."
England football captain Leah Williamson becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Four of her teammates—Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh—are made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their role in securing back-to-back European titles.
Broadcasters and Pioneers Also Recognised
The honours extend across the sporting world. Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies is upgraded to a CBE for his services to people with cancer and to broadcasting. Former world marathon champion Paula Radcliffe receives an OBE for services to sport.
In broadcasting, Gabby Logan, Clive Tyldesley, and former England cricketer Isa Guha are honoured for their services. Pioneer footballer Kerry Davis, England's first black woman international, is awarded an MBE. Gymnastics and climbing Olympic champions Rhys McClenaghan and Toby Roberts also receive MBEs.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the collective achievement, highlighting how the Lionesses and Red Roses have "united the country, inspired girls and boys everywhere to get into sport and well and truly changed the game."
