Gary Oldman and Strictly hosts join Beckham in honours

Actor Gary Oldman and former football star David Beckham have been knighted in the latest King's Birthday Honours list, a prestigious recognition of their contributions to their fields and society. Alongside them, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the well-known hosts of the popular television show Strictly Come Dancing, were awarded MBEs for their services to broadcasting. This year’s honours list includes a diverse group of 1,200 people, nearly half of whom are women, ranging in age from 11 to 106. The list celebrates achievements across arts, sports, politics, and community service, highlighting individuals who have made significant impacts in their professions and local communities.

Gary Oldman, an acclaimed actor with a career spanning over four decades, received his knighthood following his Oscar-winning performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. More recently, he has been praised for his role in the Apple TV series Slow Horses. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been central figures on Strictly Come Dancing since its early days, with Daly starting as co-presenter in 2004 and Winkleman joining later. Their long-standing dedication to the show earned them MBEs, recognising their influence in British broadcasting. Winkleman expressed excitement about the honour, joking about celebrating with a dance, while Daly shared an emotional moment upon receiving the news.

David Beckham’s knighthood acknowledges his outstanding contributions to sport and charity. Since retiring from professional football, Beckham has been actively involved in various charitable causes, including serving as an ambassador for UNICEF and supporting King Charles’ educational and environmental initiatives. Other notable honourees include singer and actress Elaine Paige, rock legend Roger Daltrey, and reality TV star Georgia Harrison, who was recognised for her campaigning on online privacy and cybercrime. The honours also highlight young talents like darts champion Luke Littler and community heroes who have made a difference through fundraising and advocacy. This year’s list reflects a broad spectrum of achievements, celebrating both famous figures and everyday heroes who have positively impacted society.