Elba and Lionesses among new year honours recipients

2026 list recognises many who work to help their community

- TARA COBHAM

Idris Elba and England's victorious women's football and rugby teams lead the new year honours list as more than 1,100 people are recognised this year.

Elba, known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, will become Sir Idris after being honoured for services to young people, while the Lionesses' Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman is awarded an honorary damehood after twice leading England to victory in the Euros.

England Women's captain Leah Williamson has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone have each been recognised as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The stars are among 1,157 recipients of new year honours who come from every part of the UK, from champions of sports and the arts to foster carers, health workers and supporters of young people. The Cabinet Office said there is a particular focus this year on those who have gone above and beyond for their communities, reflecting the values of "decency, compassion and a belief in the common good".

Ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, presenter and author Richard Osman, marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, singer Ellie Goulding, former chief executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard, a D-Day veteran, and a woman thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal are among others to be recognised. Sir Idris, 53, who founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development, said: “I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.