From Idris Elba To Cynthia Erivo: All The Celebrities Recognised In 2026's New Year Honours List

Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo are among a handful of entertainers to get recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Idris will become Sir Idris after being awarded a knighthood for services to young people, recognising his charity work with the Elba Hope Foundation as well as his campaigning against knife crime.

“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,” the Luther actor said.

Meanwhile Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42 star Meera Syal is now Dame Meera after being recognised for services to literature, drama and charity.  

Wicked actor and singer Cynthia Erivo was given an MBE for services to music and drama while Ellie Goulding was honoured for her work as an environmental ambassador.

Cynthia admitted she never thought she would receive an MBE, saying: “I hope it shows that I care deeply about the work and will continue to do so to the best of my abilities.”

With Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards already under her belt, she just needs to clinch an Oscar to join the esteemed ‘EGOT’ club of stars who have been decorated in all four awards.

Elsewhere comedians Bill Bailey, Paul Chuckle and Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay were also made MBEs.

Actor Warwick Davis, comedian Matt Lucas, author and TV host Richard Osman, and sports broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley have been appointed OBEs.

“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me – and I’ve been in Star Wars,” Warwick said.

Figure skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been given a damehood and knighthood respectively, while Last of the Summer Wine and Open All Hours writer Roy Clarke also becomes a knight.

Other entertainment honourees include MasterChef judge Marcus Wareing and Location, Location, Location star Phil Spencer.