- Jayne Torvill is made a Dame and Christopher Dean is knighted in the 2026 New Year Honours.
- England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman receives an honorary damehood; several Lionesses and Red Roses players also recognised.
- Leah Williamson is appointed CBE; Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone become MBEs.
- A wide range of sports figures, broadcasters and administrators receive OBEs, CBEs and MBEs for services to sport and charity.
H2: Torvill and Dean honoured for services to skating
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours, with Torvill receiving a damehood and Dean a knighthood for services to ice skating and voluntary work. The legendary ice-dancing duo — four-time world champions and 1984 Olympic gold medallists — retired after a final tour in July.
Reflecting on the honour, Dean said it was “wonderful and humbling”. The pair, whose 1984 Bolero performance remains iconic, called the awards the culmination of half a century of partnership.
H3: Sarina Wiegman made an honorary dame
England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman, a Dutch national, has been made an honorary dame after guiding the Lionesses to European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025. Wiegman paid tribute to her players and staff, saying the honour reflected “my exceptional team of players and staff” and the shared values that underpinned their success.
H3: Lionesses and Red Roses players recognised
Several members of England’s national women’s teams also appear on the list. Leah Williamson is appointed a CBE for services to football; she previously received an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours. Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone are among those named MBEs.
The Red Roses coaching staff and players who won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025 also receive honours. Coach John Mitchell and captain Zoe Stratford are appointed OBEs, while vice-captain Marlie Packer is made an OBE and Megan Jones an MBE. Players Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne are each named MBEs.
H4: Broadcasters and other sporting figures awarded
The honours span beyond players and coaches. Broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley are made OBEs for services to sports broadcasting and charity. Former marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe is appointed an OBE for services to sport. Rhys McClenaghan receives an MBE after winning Olympic gold in pommel horse for Ireland in 2024.
H5: A broad honours list for sport and service
The list includes CBEs, OBEs and MBEs for administrators, coaches, grassroots champions and charity figures linked to sport: Daniel Levy is awarded a CBE for services to charity and the Tottenham community; Jonathan Davies receives a CBE for his work with Velindre Cancer Care Trust; and grassroots leaders, referees and medical staff are recognised for contributions to inclusion and development in sport.
Many recipients described emotional reactions to the news, from disbelief to pride. The honours highlight both individual achievement and the collective efforts behind recent successes in English sport.
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cy0p75qn0qqo
