A host of Britain’s biggest stars have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, with Dame Helen Mirren, Emmerdale favourite Lisa Riley and Black Sabbath icon Tony Iommi among the famous faces celebrating prestigious awards.
The annual honours list, unveiled on Friday, paid tribute to figures from the worlds of entertainment, literature, sport and charity, recognising decades of dedication and achievement.
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley was awarded an MBE for her services to drama and charitable causes, in what she described as the perfect gift ahead of her milestone 50th birthday next month.
Speaking about the honour, she said: “Wow, if this is not my best 50th birthday present, being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, I don’t know what is. To say I am humbled is an absolute understatement. Thank you so much, my heart is the warmest it could ever be.”
The actress is best known for playing Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, a role she first took on in 1995 before making a full-time return in 2019.
Meanwhile, Dame Helen Mirren received one of the highest distinctions available, becoming a Companion of Honour for her outstanding contribution to drama. Already made a Dame in 2003, the Oscar-winning actress joins an exclusive group limited to just 65 members at any one time.
Heavy metal pioneer Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, was also recognised with an MBE for his services to music and charity.
Reflecting on the honour, he said: “What an unbelievable honour to receive an MBE. It’s been a privilege doing something I love and then to see that music connects with so many over the years.”
BBC Radio 6 presenter and musician Cerys Matthews was promoted from MBE to OBE, 14 years after first receiving royal recognition.
Television favourite Anneka Rice also received an MBE for her work in broadcasting and charitable fundraising. The presenter became a household name thanks to Challenge Anneka, which originally aired between 1989 and 1995 before returning briefly in 2023.
In the literary world, beloved children’s author Julia Donaldson and Noughts and Crosses writer Malorie Blackman were both awarded damehoods for their contribution to literature.
Reacting to the news, Julia said: “Receiving this honour has been a very happy surprise. It’s really gratifying to have children’s books recognised in this way.”
Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, whose life inspired Netflix’s Bank Of Dave films, received an OBE for services to finance, business and charity.
Meanwhile, Aardman co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton – the creative minds behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep – were both knighted after more than five decades in animation.
In a joint statement, they said: “We both feel it is an extraordinary privilege and an honour – as well as a complete and utter surprise – to be recognised in this way. As we accept these awards, we humbly bow and salute all of those who have joined us on this extraordinary journey.”
The honours list also recognised a number of sporting figures, including several of England’s Euro-winning Lionesses, rugby league hero Kevin Sinfield and beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, who received a CBE.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the recipients, saying: “Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.
“Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others. It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.”
