Wake up, Sir Stringer Bell!
Idris Elba is set to be knighted in the UK after topping the list of names in the 2026 New Year Honors.
Despite having another busy year for Elba, who ironically played the US president and British prime minister in House of Dynamite and Heads of State, respectively, he has been in the spotlight for his philanthropy, particularly his campaign to end knife crime and the Elba Hope Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife.
The other top honor went to comedian, author and actor Meera Shall, best known for her groundbreaking TV show The Kumars at No 42, and renowned for her contributions to literature, drama and philanthropy.
Meanwhile, on screen, Cynthia Erivo has been appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire), with the Wicked: For Good star saying: “It’s an honor I never thought would come my way.”
Also selected as MBEs are Tina McFarling, the much-loved former head of strategic communications at the British Film Institute (and a founding member of the British Film Council), and David Gurney, former head of the film laboratory at the BFI National Archives. Both men resigned from their positions in the summer of 2025.
OBE honors went to Thursday Murder Club author and TV presenter Richard Osman, Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas, Last of the Summer Wine screenwriter Roy Clark, actor Sally Lindsay, comedian Bill Bailey, children’s TV star Paul Chuckle and Warwick Davies.
“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve been in ‘Star Wars,'” Davis said.
As well as the usual New Year politicians, campaigners and athletes, winners included singers Ellie Goulding and Eve Graham, TV chef Marcus Wareing, reality TV presenter Phil Spencer, sports presenter Gabby Logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley.
