We have several exciting new New Year Honours to report! This year, there were 1,157 recipients, including Idris Elba (“Luther”), Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), and Warwick Davis (“Willow”).
Honoree categories include several different disciplines, like:
Television and film
- Sir Idris Elba – was knighted in honour of his charity work with young people, and launched an anti-knife crime campaign. He also founded the Elba Hope Foundation alongside his wife, Sabrina, providing grants to organisations in the UK, the US, and Africa.
“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,” says Sir Idris.
- Dame Meera Syal (“Goodness Gracious Me”) – has written several novels and plays and is being recognised for her contribution to drama, literature, and charity.
- Sir Roy Clarke (“Open All Hours”)
- Warwick Davis – received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), which is a high honour used to recognise a significant contribution to society. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me – and I’ve been in Star Wars,” said Davis.
Musicians and the arts
- Dame Cynthia Erivo – was appointed an MBE. She calls it “an honour I could never have thought would happen”.
- Dame Ellie Goulding – received the honour for her work as an environmental ambassador.
- Dame Eve Graham
Sports
This year, Sarina Wiegman was given an honorary title after guiding her team, the Lionesses, to their second Euros title. Making them the first English football team to win a major trophy on foreign soil. Foreign citizens can be conferred knighthoods or damehoods; they are not dubbed and cannot use the Sir or Dame title.
“When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced,” said Wiegman. “I deeply thank the fans for their support
Figure skating duo Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean, who took home gold in the 1984 Winter Olympics, are recognised for their volunteer work.
