Idris Elba Knighted in U.K.’s New Year Honors as Cynthia Erivo Given MBE

According To The variety Arise Sir Stringer Bell! Idris Elba is set to receive a knighthood in the U.K. after the star led the list of names in the 2026 new year honors. Despite coming after another busy year for the actor, in which he — ironically — played both the U.S. president and British prime minister in “House of Dynamite” and “Heads of State,” respectively, Elba is being recognized for his charity work, notably an anti-knife crime campaign and the Elba Hope Foundation he set up alongside his wife Another top honor went to comedian, writer and actor Meera Syal, best known for groundbreaking TV show “The Kumars at No 42,” who becomes a dame for services to literature, drama and charity. Meanwhile on screen, Cynthia Erivo is appointed an MBE (Member of the British Empire), with the “Wicked: For Good” star saying it was “an honor I could never have thought would happen.” OBE (Order of the British Empire) honors went to “Thursday Murder Club” author and TV host Richard Osman, “Little Britain” comedian Matt Lucas, “Last of the Summer Wine” writer Roy Clarke, actor Sally Lindsay, comedian Bill Bailey, children’s TV star Paul Chuckle and Warwick Davis This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me — and I’ve been in Star Wars,” said Davis. Alongside the usual array of politicians, campaigners and athletes, other honorees in the annual new year list included singers Ellie Goulding and Eve Graham, TV chef Marcus Wareing, reality TV presenter Phil Spencer, sports presenter Gabby Logan and soccer commentator Clive Tyldesley.