Actor Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were among the hundreds named in King Charles’s New Year honours list published on Monday.
Elba, who is known for his roles in the television series “Luther” and “The Wire”, was awarded a knighthood for his anti-knife crime campaigning with young people.
The British film star was born in London, although his mother is from Ghana and his late father grew up in Sierra Leone. Elba was in 2019 given citizenship of his father’s native Sierra Leone.
“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,” Sir Idris said.
The full New Year honours list includes more than 1,157 people in politics, sport, the arts or community service to be awarded titles from Member, Commander or Officer of the Order of the British Empire to the highest honours of knighthoods and damehoods.
“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,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
The New Year honours, which have been awarded since at least 1890, aim to recognise not just well-known figures but people who have contributed to national life in Britain through often unsung work over many years.
Those honoured will receive their awards at investiture ceremonies held later in 2026 at royal residences such as Buckingham Palace.
SOURCE:Reuters