Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo lead 2026 New Year Honours list

Posted On December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo are among the names from the entertainment industry to feature on the 2026 New Year Honours List.

Elba will become Sir Idris Elba due to his charity work with the Elba Hope Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Sabrina, as well as thanks to his anti-knife crime campaigning.

The Luther star said in a statement, “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.”

Elba added, “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.”

Meanwhile, comedian and actor Meera Syal, who co-created Goodness Gracious Me and starred in The Kumars at No. 42, has now become Dame Meera. Last of the Summer Wine and Open All Hours writer Roy Clarke has also become Sir Roy Clarke.

OBEs have been given to comedian Matt Lucas, author and television presenter Richard Osman, as well as actor Warwick Davis, who said of the honour, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me – and I’ve been in Star Wars.”

In the music industry, MBEs have been awarded to Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, as well as to Ellie Goulding, who has been recognised for her work in the environmental sector. The New Seekers singer Eve Graham has also been given an MBE.

Max Richter, who recently secured a Golden Globe nomination for his soundtrack for Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, is set to receive a CBE. Opera singer Alice Coote has also been awarded a CBE.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said of the 2026 recipients, “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.”

He added, “Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”

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