MAN AT HIS BEST
Actor Idris Elba has been knighted in the New Year Honours. The 53-year-old Hollywood star from Hackney, London, is now officially Sir Idris.
Sir Idris rose to prominence as Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire and DCI John Luther in BBC’s Luther. More recently, he portrayed the British Prime Minister in Heads of State and the President of the United States in A House of Dynamite, both released in 2025. Elba has also appeared in video games, notably as Solomon Reed in the Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, Phantom Liberty.
He received his knighthood for services to young people, recognizing his charity work with the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy, and sustainable development. Elba has also spoken out against knife crime. He said: “I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.”
Actor and comedian Meera Syal (The Kumars at No 42) is being awarded a Damehood for services to literature, drama, and charity. Composer Max Richter will receive a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to music. Actor Warwick Davis is being recognized with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama and charity. Davis said: "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me — and I've been in Star Wars."
Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). Author and television presenter Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) is receiving an OBE for his services to literature and broadcasting.
1,157 recipients have been awarded from every part of the UK, A total of 1,157 recipients from across the UK have been honored, with a particular focus this year on individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.
