The New Year Honours list for 2026 has recognized a diverse array of individuals, from icons of British television and sports legends to dedicated public servants and unsung local community champions. These prestigious awards, bestowed by King Charles III, celebrate exceptional contributions across various fields, reflecting the breadth of service and achievement within the United Kingdom.

In the realm of arts and media, Roy Clarke, the acclaimed creator of beloved BBC sitcoms such as Last of the Summer Wine, Keeping Up Appearances, and Open All Hours, received a knighthood for his profound impact on British television. His timeless characters, including the snobbish Hyacinth Bucket and the enduring trio of Compo, Clegg, and Nora Batty, have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Veteran actor and writer Meera Syal, celebrated for her roles in The Kumars at No 42 and Goodness Gracious Me, was awarded a damehood for her services to literature, drama, and charity, hailed as a barrier-breaking pioneer for British Asians in television. Paul Elliott, known as one half of the Chuckle Brothers, received an MBE for his contributions to entertainment and his support for the Marie Curie cancer charity, following the passing of his brother Barry. Prominent sports presenters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley were also recognized with OBEs for their services to sports broadcasting and charity. Other notable figures in entertainment receiving honours include Idris Elba (knighthood for services to young people and charity), Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean (damehood and knighthood for ice skating and voluntary service), Matt Lucas (OBE), Richard Osman (OBE), Phil Spencer (MBE), Sally Lindsay (MBE), Bill Bailey (MBE), Cynthia Erivo (MBE), and Marcus Wareing (MBE).

Political and public service figures were also prominently featured. Anneliese Dodds, former international development minister and a key ally of Keir Starmer, received a damehood for her political and parliamentary service. Jonathan Ashworth, formerly shadow health secretary, was awarded a CBE for his political and parliamentary service and his charity work on behalf of children of alcoholics. Sarah Clarke, the first woman to serve as Black Rod in the role's 669-year history, also received a damehood. Among local government leaders, Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, was awarded an OBE for services to local government, while Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, received a CBE for his pivotal role in developing the Bee Network. Other political recipients included Adam Ingram (knighthood) and Chris Ruane (OBE).

The honours list also shone a light on extraordinary community and charity work, particularly from Greater Manchester. David and Suzan Tomlinson, from Wythenshawe, were both awarded BEMs for co-founding 'Acting on Impulse', a charity that empowers homeless and marginalized individuals through theatre and film. Dr Nasser Kurdy, a lay imam and orthopaedic surgeon from Altrincham, received an MBE for his interfaith reconciliation efforts, notably his public forgiveness of his attacker after being stabbed outside his mosque. Firefighter Nigel Travis from Salford was awarded an MBE for his services to boxing and the community, having co-founded the Moss Side Fire Station Boxing club to engage local youth. The Reverend David Ireland, former chief executive of Francis House Children's Hospice, received a BEM for his long-standing dedication to children's hospices. Other community champions included Mervyn Kersh (BEM for Holocaust remembrance) and John Hearn (BEM for judo).

The NHS and healthcare sector saw several leaders recognized for their crucial work. Amanda Pritchard, the former head of NHS England, was made a dame. Kathy Cowell, Chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), received a CBE for her leadership, including overseeing the merger that created MFT and supporting staff after the Manchester Arena attack. Jackie Hanson, former Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West, received an MBE for her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her work on anti-racism programs. Dr Maeve Keaney was awarded an MBE for founding the REACHE project, which helps refugee and asylum-seeker doctors and nurses return to clinical practice within the NHS. Simon Walsh received a BEM for his services to NHS procurement and charity.

The business and technology sectors were also represented. Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury's, was awarded a CBE for his services to the retail industry, recognized for steering the supermarket through the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. John Pettigrew, former National Grid CEO, received a CBE for services to energy, while Ian King, former BAE Systems CEO, was awarded a CBE for his contributions to the transport and defence sectors. Gary Hoffman, chair of Monzo, received a CBE for services to the economy and sport. Matt Brittin, former head of Google in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, was awarded a CBE for services to technology and enhancing digital skills. Pamela Maynard, Microsoft's chief AI transformation officer, received an OBE.

Sporting achievements were celebrated with numerous honours. Sarina Wiegman, England's highly successful women's football coach, was made an honorary dame. Her captain, Leah Williamson, received a CBE, while teammates Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone were all awarded MBEs following their team's European championship victory. Members of England's Women's Rugby World Cup-winning squad, including Marlie Packer, Zoe Aldcroft, and coach John Mitchell (all OBEs), and teammates Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya, and Megan Jones (all MBEs), were also recognized. Marathon runner Paula Radcliffe received an OBE, and Olympic gold medallist sports climber Toby Roberts was awarded an MBE.

Finally, the list included unique contributions to justice and public safety. Betty Brown, the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, received an OBE for her tireless efforts in seeking justice for post office operators. Detective Chief Superintendent Jonathan Miles Chadwick of Greater Manchester Police was awarded the King's Police Medal for his exceptional contribution to disaster victim identification.