The New Year Honours list for 2025 has been unveiled, celebrating the exceptional achievements and service of 1,157 individuals from across the United Kingdom. The list, published on Monday 29th December 2025, shines a light on stars from the worlds of entertainment, sport, and countless community champions working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Stars of Screen, Stage and Ice Receive Top Accolades
Actor and philanthropist Idris Elba has been awarded a knighthood for services to young people. The 53-year-old star of The Wire and Luther founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which works to steer young people away from violence. Sir Idris stated he receives the honour on behalf of the talented and resilient young people the foundation supports, emphasising the need for sustained, practical support for the next generation.
Olympic ice dancing legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been made a Dame and a Knight respectively for their services to ice skating and voluntary work. The pair, who won gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo with their iconic Bolero routine, described the recognition as "wonderful and humbling at the same time".
In the comedy world, Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame becomes an OBE, while Paul Elliott, one half of the beloved Chuckle Brothers, receives an MBE. Actress and writer Meera Syal becomes a Dame, and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is awarded an MBE for services to music and drama. Author Richard Osman and actor Warwick Davis both become OBEs, with Davis quipping it was "the best thing that's ever happened to me - and I've been in Star Wars".
Sporting Heroes Celebrated for Historic Triumphs
England's triumphant Lionesses feature prominently following their UEFA Women's Euros victory. Captain Leah Williamson is made a CBE, with teammates Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone all receiving MBEs. The team's manager, Sarina Wiegman, is awarded an honorary damehood. The Dutch coach, who has now won the European Championship twice with England, expressed deep gratitude for the respect and warmth shown to her since her arrival.
Members of England's World Cup-winning women's rugby union team, the Red Roses, are also honoured. Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft become OBEs, as does coach John Mitchell, while Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya, and Megan Jones are made MBEs.
Elsewhere in sport, three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe is made an OBE, and 20-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning climber Toby Roberts becomes the youngest recipient on the list with an MBE.
Community Champions and Veterans Recognised
The honours list also pays tribute to those who have campaigned for justice and contributed to their communities over decades. Betty Brown, 92, believed to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, receives an OBE for her fight for justice for subpostmasters.
D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, aged 101, is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Holocaust remembrance and education. The oldest person on the list is 102-year-old John Hearn, who receives a BEM for services to Judo and his community in northeast England.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised all those recognised, stating: "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. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be."
