Idris Elba knighted as Wiegman and Lionesses in New Year Honours

 

King Charles and Sir Idris Elba

Actor Idris Elba has been knighted in the New Year Honours list, becoming Sir Idris in recognition of his charity work with young people and his anti-knife-crime campaigning. The Wire and Luther star co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife Sabrina and has long supported youth projects, having once received a Prince’s Trust grant himself as a teenager.

 

England women’s football head coach Sarina Wiegman is made an honorary dame, reflecting her leadership of the Lionesses to back-to-back European Championship victories — the first England side ever to win a major trophy on foreign soil. Several Lionesses are also honoured, including captain Leah Williamson (CBE), while Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway receive MBEs.

 

Figure skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean — icons since their 1984 Winter Olympics gold — receive a damehood and knighthood, marking the end of their performing partnership after a farewell Dancing on Ice season. Rugby recognition is also strong, with Red Roses stars Zoe Aldcroft, Marlie Packer and head coach John Mitchell made OBEs following England’s Rugby World Cup triumph.

 

The list spans the arts, sport, politics and public service. Comedy star Meera Syal becomes a dame, while OBEs go to actor Warwick Davis and broadcaster Gabby Logan. Musicians including Cynthia Erivo and Ellie Goulding receive MBEs, alongside composer Max Richter, who is appointed a CBE.

 

Long-time TV writer Roy Clarke is knighted, while former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy becomes a CBE. Campaigner Betty Brown, who fought to expose wrongful Post Office prosecutions, is made an OBE.

 

In total, 1,157 people are recognised this year, with a strong showing for women’s sport and cultural figures whose work has shaped modern British life.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Idris Elba becomes Sir Idris for his youth and charity work

• Sarina Wiegman and England’s Lionesses headline sports honours

• Meera Syal, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean receive top awards

 

SOURCE:  BBC

 

 

 

Roy Clarke OBE was long overdue a knighthood. The man is 95.

He wrote many of the episodes of Keeping Up Appearances, Open All Hours and all of the. Last of the Summer Wine series. The man truly is a national treasure.