Sir Idris, 53, who is known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, is knighted for services to young people, having founded the Elba Hope Foundation. He said: "I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation. "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." Torvill and Dean say honour is 'wonderful and humbling' Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, who took home the Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games and saw success at the World, European and British Champions, are made a Dame and Sir for services to ice skating and to voluntary service. They said the honour is "wonderful and humbling at the same time". They are joined by Paul Elliott, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, who is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Matt Lucas, half of the Little Britain comedy duo with David Walliams, who becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Lionesses and Red Roses The Lionesses feature heavily on the list after their Euros win in the summer. Captain Leah Williamson is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone become MBEs. The team's Dutch manager, Sarina Wiegman, who has won the Euros twice with England and once with the Netherlands, is awarded an honorary damehood, the Cabinet Office said. Wiegman said: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour. When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I've experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support." Members of England Women's Rugby World Cup winning squad are also featured, with Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft becoming OBEs, along with coach John Mitchell. Their teammates Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya and Megan Jones are made MBEs after the Red Roses defeated Canada in the final in September. Three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe, who held the women's marathon record for 16 years, is made an OBE. 'Best thing that's ever happened to me - and I've been in Star Wars' Also made OBEs are presenter and author Richard Osman, actor Warwick Davis and broadcaster Gabby Logan. The Kumars At No 42 actress Meera Syal, 64, becomes a Dame. Osman, 55, author of The Thursday Murder Club book series, said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the honour, while Davis, also 55, said: "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I've been in Star Wars." Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is made an MBE for services to music and drama, while football commentator Clive Tyldesley becomes an OBE for services to sports broadcasting and to charity. Writer Roy Clarke, who created the sitcoms Last Of The Summer Wine, Open All Hours and Keeping Up Appearances, becomes a knight. Oldest Horizon IT scandal victim and D-Day veteran honoured A woman thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, 92-year-old Betty Brown, has said it was a "shocker" to have been made an OBE for seeking justice for subpostmasters. D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, 101, said it was a "wonderful thing" to be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Holocaust remembrance and education. The oldest person on the list is 102-year-old John Hearn, one of four centenarians included, who receives a BEM for services to Judo and to the community in northeast England. The youngest recipient is 20-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning sports climber Toby Roberts, from Elstead in Surrey, who becomes an MBE. 'The very best of Britain' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "This year's Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain - people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. "Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you - and congratulations to everyone recognised today."

The French star, who has died aged 91, came to embody a new kind of female sexuality on screen that was bold and unapologetic. She was so famous that she became known simply by her initials. Emmanuel Macron said Bardot "embodied a life of freedom". Paying tribute, the French president said: "Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne" - referring to the national symbol of France. "French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century." The famous faces we said goodbye to in 2025 As a singer, she also released several records during her time in the spotlight, and was famously the muse for Serge Gainsbourg's erotic single Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus. Despite her success, she retired from acting before she had even turned 40, instead choosing to dedicate her time to helping animals. Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot rebelled against a strict upbringing to break into film. She started as a model in the early 1950s, and, after some minor parts, the role that made her a household name came in 1956 - … And God Created Woman. Directed by her then husband Roger Vadim, the film was considered scandalous at the time for its frank depiction of sensuality, daring to challenge conservative post-war norms about women's behaviour and desire. Bardot instantly became a symbol of youthful rebellion, a sex symbol and a style icon - an influence that would be felt for decades, seen in the soft, eye-skimming fringes and cat eyeliner many women still turn to today. Often compared to Marilyn Monroe but with a distinctively European cool, her femininity redefined post-war cinema, captivating audiences. But while she starred in more than 40 films - and proved she could play much more than the seductive ingenue - by 1973, aged only 39, she walked away from the big screen. "I gave my youth and my beauty to men," she said of her retirement. "I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals." In 1986, Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation dedicated to combatting animal cruelty, funding sanctuaries and numerous wildlife rescue operations. Paying tribute to her memory, the foundation called her "an exceptional woman who gave everything and sacrificed everything for a world more respectful of animals." They went on: "Her legacy lives on through the actions and campaigns that the Foundation pursues with the same passion and unwavering commitment to her ideals." In later years, she spoke of feeling "used" by the film industry and the media, saying she'd felt increasingly uncomfortable with the constant public scrutiny and the intense objectification she was subjected to. But Bardot was also a controversial figure herself, with her image tarnished in more recent years following a book she published in 2003 entitled A Cry In Silence, for which she was prosecuted for incitement to racial hatred against Muslims. She went on to receive several fines over the years for alleged racism in various statements she made, often in the context of her animal campaigning, and most recently in 2021. But she remained a popular figure to many. While activism and animal welfare were her real passions, she will be best remembered for her lasting influence on international cinema.

"Abhorrent" social media posts by Alaa Abd El-Fattah emerged after he returned to the UK on Boxing Day following several years of imprisonment in Egypt. Ms Cooper, the foreign secretary, said successive prime ministers were not briefed on the historic tweets, which date back as far as 2010, and civil servants in charge of the case were also "unaware" of them. The activist has since apologised "unequivocally" for his "shocking and hurtful" social media posts, in which he appears to call for violence against "Zionists" - but said some had been "completely twisted". Both the Conservatives and Reform UK have suggested he should have his British citizenship stripped for the posts - though it is understood there are no current plans for this, and the law does not appear to provide grounds to deport him. In a letter to the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry, Ms Cooper said long-standing procedures and due diligence arrangements had been "completely inadequate" in the case. "In the context of rising antisemitism, and recent horrific attacks against Jewish people in this country and around the world, I am deeply concerned that the unexpected emergence of these historical tweets - coming alongside the social media posts that I and other senior politicians sent on Boxing Day welcoming the conclusion of this long-running case and Mr El Fattah's reunion with his family - have added to the distress felt by Jewish communities in the UK, and I very much regret that," she wrote. "I have asked the permanent under secretary as a matter of urgency to review the serious information failures in this case and more broadly the systems that are in place within the department for conducting due diligence on the individual high-profile consular and human-rights cases for which the FCDO is responsible, to ensure that those systems are functioning properly for the future, and that all necessary lessons are learned." Read more:Two people killed in Anthony Joshua car crash namedTrump offered Ukraine 15-year security guarantee, Zelenskyy says Mr Abd El-Fattah was a leading voice during Egypt's 2011 Arab Spring uprising and went on hunger strikes in prison. He was most recently detained in September 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison in December 2021 on charges of spreading false news. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi pardoned the activist earlier this year and he flew to the UK to reunite with his young son, who lives in Brighton, last week. He had been granted UK citizenship in December 2021 under Boris Johnson, reportedly through his UK-born mother. No 10 has defended the government's handling of the case, with the prime minister's official spokesperson saying: "We welcome the return of a British citizen unfairly detained abroad, as we would in all cases and as we have done in the past. "That is central to Britain's commitment to religious and political freedom. That said, it doesn't change the fact that we have condemned the nature of these historic tweets and we consider them to be abhorrent, and we've been very clear about that." In a statement, Mr Abd El-Fattah said: "I unequivocally apologise. "(The posts) were mostly expressions of a young man's anger and frustrations in a time of regional crises (the wars on Iraq, on Lebanon and Gaza), and the rise of police brutality against Egyptian youth. "I particularly regret some that were written as part of online insult battles with the total disregard for how they read to other people. I should have known better."

Joshua, 36, sustained ​minor injuries when the Lexus SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck. A spokesperson for Joshua confirmed that Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died in the accident. "It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin 'Latif' Ayodele. "Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony's team." The collision happened around 11am in Makun on Monday, around 30 miles from Lagos. Footage on social media shows Joshua in pain and dazed as he is helped out of the wrecked vehicle. The British former world heavyweight champion was in the rear of the vehicle - which was carrying four other adult males - before being helped out of the wreckage by a crowd of onlookers. Joshua, who is conscious in the footage, is seen wincing in pain. Medical staff have conducted 'several clinical assessments' on Joshua, who does 'not require any emergency interventions at this time,' confirmed a statement from The Governments of Ogun and Lagos in Nigeria. Vehicle 'lost control while overtaking' The Federal Road Safety Corps said the Lexus was suspected to be travelling in excess of the speed limit and lost control while overtaking. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn also posted a statement on social media which read: "With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away. "Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment. He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation. "Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time." Nigerian president expresses condolences Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, was spending time in the country following his recent fight against Jake Paul in Miami. After a 15-month absence from the sport, Joshua had marked his return with a sixth-round knockout win over the YouTube star at Kaseya Center on December 19. Paul expressed his condolences in a social media post, writing: "Life is much more important than boxing. "I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident." Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed that he had spoken to Joshua and his mother. "I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident," he said. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care. I also spoke with his mother and prayed for her. She was deeply appreciative of the call. "Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with them, assured me he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best attention."

The sunburn is my fault. But Donald Trump is to blame for the whiplash, such is his style of diplomacy. He'd have it no other way. He's busy making things happen. That's how he frames it. But let's take stock because there has been a lot to process. What's actually been achieved over these past two days, how much was just theatrical hot air, and what surprises were there? Let's begin with the Middle East and the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "An outstanding meeting." That's how Netanyahu's spokesman described the day to me as it all wrapped up. You can see why he might think this. Netanyahu got what he came for. • Trump's commitment to bomb Iran again (if US intelligence concludes, as Israeli spooks do, that it is indeed rearming)? Tick. • Trump to blame Hamas as being wholly responsible for the faltering Gaza ceasefire and for preventing phase two from progressing? Tick. • Trump to heap praise on Netanyahu as the saviour of Israel and wartime leader like no other? Tick (and one for the election campaign video). • Trump to publicly state that Netanyahu should be pardoned in his corruption case and press Israel's president to enact the pardon forthwith? Tick. There's a lot to process just there. Trump saying he remains locked and loaded on Iran. Trump threatening "all hell" on Hamas. How will all this play out in 2026? If he follows through (big if), how will his base react domestically? There's so much to consider. There were some intriguing divergences between Netanyahu and Trump, one on Syria and the other on the West Bank. On Syria, Trump said he wanted to thaw relations between the new Syrian president and Israel. Good luck to him if he can. It would be an achievement and welcome. On the West Bank, Trump suggested he was worried about settler violence and expansion. It's a huge issue, it threatens Trump's vision for the region. Again - if he can stop the violence and expansion, that would be an achievement. I'm not holding my breath. 👉 Follow Trump100 on your podcast app 👈 But, as ever, there was more too; the stuff we didn't expect from the two free-flowing impromptu news conferences at which the American president did almost all the talking. He was asked about an attack on Venezuela which, casually and vaguely, he'd dropped into an earlier interview. He confirmed that, yes, he'd ordered an attack on a "big facility" in Venezuela. That's big news - the first American land attack. Yet it was just another moment in this second day of Mar-a-Lago diplomacy. Then there was his response to what appears to be a massive Chinese military dress rehearsal for a blockade of Taiwan. Was Trump worried? No, he said. "Nothing worries me." Just chill? Or doesn't really care? It's hard to know sometimes. A day earlier, it had been Ukraine's president at Mar-a-Lago. Is it ironic or just mad that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was coming from his city of actual palaces, including his own presidential palace, to a Disneyland town called Palm Beach and the faux-palace of a former real estate tycoon to beg for support for his country's future. It seemed to go well though. Ukrainian officials told me they were very pleased with the commitment Trump gave on security guarantees. They glossed over the wholly important issue of how long those guarantees last or whether they can trust Trump's word. What choice do they have? Of course, there was more. President Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin twice - before and after the Zelenskyy meeting. And it was what he said after the second call that piqued interest. He announced that Putin had told him Ukraine had attacked one of his homes with a swarm of drones. Zelenskyy had already called the claim out as lies. The suggestion from Kyiv is that if it happened it was a false flag to try to derail the peace process because Putin doesn't want peace. But Trump's tone suggested he was taking Putin's word for it. Remember, in his first term, Trump took Putin's word over that of his own intelligence agencies. And so, a head-spinning two days of news; a fitting way to end the year. 2026 is an election year for Donald Trump. The midterms are in November. He needs to focus on the "home front", as his vice-president subtly reminded him a couple of months ago. The economy and the cost of living, not foreign conflicts. Trump knows that. But so do America's adversaries and its troublesome allies. What will they gamble on in 2026, knowing that he may not care, or may just go along with it. Buckle up.

The Treasury will back the cover for the priceless artefact under the Government Indemnity Scheme - an alternative to commercial insurance that allows art and cultural objects to be shown in the UK. Indirectly backed by the British taxpayer, the indemnity will cover it for damage or loss during its transfer from France and while it is on display. The 70m fabric depiction of the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings is not far off 1,000 years old. It depicts the battle which saw William the Conqueror take the English throne from Harold Godwinson and become the first Norman king of England. It's understood the tapestry will be displayed behind a protective screen while on show. In Normandy, it's been displayed behind a bespoke glass case. The Financial Times reported the Treasury had provisionally approved an estimated valuation of around £800m for the tapestry. Most recently housed at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy, it will be loaned to the British Museum next year while the French museum closes for renovation. Its reopening is scheduled for October 2027. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: "The Government Indemnity Scheme is a long-standing scheme that allows museums and galleries to borrow high-value works for major exhibitions, increasing visitor numbers and providing public benefits. "Without this cover, public museums and galleries would face a substantial commercial insurance premium, which would be significantly less cost-effective." The scheme is estimated to have saved UK museums and galleries £81m compared to commercial insurance. It is part of a cultural exchange that will see the British Museum loan the Sutton Hoo collection, the Lewis Chessmen and other items to France in return for the tapestry. Former chancellor and chair of the British Museum George Osborne has said he expects the tapestry exhibition to be "the blockbuster show of our generation". Meanwhile, in France, dissenting voices from the art and conservation fields have called on President Emmanuel Macron to abandon the project over concerns transportation would cause irreparable damage to the tapestry. A detailed agreement between the British and French ministries sets out transfer plans, which include the use of a special crate and a test run with a facsimile of the tapestry ahead of transporting the real thing. The UK has seen a spate of activist attacks on works of art and artefacts in recent years. Incidents include protesters glueing themselves to the frame of John Constable's The Hay Wain at the National Gallery in 2022, and tomato soup being thrown at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery in 2022 and again in 2024. Earlier this month, crumble and custard was thrown at the State Crown display case in the Tower of London. The Bayeux Tapestry will be on show at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027.

A Downing Street file on royal visits, from 2004 and 2005, was briefly shared with journalists under embargo ahead of the annual release of government papers to the National Archives in Kew, west London, under the 20-year rule. It included the minutes of a meeting discussing travel plans for the former prince, who was a trade envoy at the time. However, the documents were withdrawn and the version sent to the archives for public viewing had these details and others about Andrew redacted. Government records are released to the archives and made public after 20 years. However, files relating to the Royal Family are regularly withheld under the Public Records Act. The Cabinet Office, which is responsible for transferring the files to the archives, said the royal documents had been handed to journalists unredacted due to an "administrative error", as they had never been intended for release. "All records are managed in line with the requirements of the Public Records Act. Any release is subject to an extensive review process, including engaging expert stakeholders," a spokesperson added. The minutes of the travel meeting, which were seen by journalists for news outlets including the Press Association before they were pulled from the file, appeared to be unexceptional. Campaigners argue royal exemptions should not apply Anti-monarchy campaigners say there is no reason for the documents to be withheld, especially as Andrew has been stripped of all his royal titles and honours over his links with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. "There should be no royal exemption at all. But this exemption surely doesn't apply to Andrew now he's no longer a royal," said Graham Smith, chief executive of campaign group Republic. The documents should be released "without fear or favour", he added, "to allow the public to make informed judgments about the royals". Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing. He was not the only royal discussed in the mistaken release - with minutes around potential travel plans for Prince William (now the Prince of Wales) also released. What was in the other declassified documents? Other papers released to the National Archives include documents on Zimbabwe, details of plans drawn up to redevelop Downing Street under Tony Blair, and an apology John Major had to make to the Queen Mother. According to newly declassified files on Zimbabwe, the Foreign Office warned military action to overthrow Robert Mugabe was not a "serious option" amid frustration in Mr Blair's government at the Zimbabwean dictator's determination to cling to power, as the former British colony descended into violence and economic chaos. 👉Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app👈 An options paper, drawn up in July 2004, was quick to rule out any use of military force. A year after the UK joined a US-led coalition to overthrow the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, it said that this time Britain would be on its own if it tried to invade. Details of the ambitious Downing Street programme were also declassified. The property had become so run down that the programme - codenamed Project George - was drawn up, proposing a major multi-million pound development including a two-storey "subterranean suite" under the No 10 garden and an underground service road for VIP visitors. It is not clear from the files why the government did not procced with the plan - although cost may well have been an issue. And the papers also revealed that Downing Street had to issue an apology when John Major was in power, when a birthday telegram he sent to the Queen Mother was apparently addressed in an "improper manner". The Queen Mother's private secretary called No 10 demanding an explanation as to why the 1994 birthday greeting had been "incorrectly addressed", documents show, although it is not clear exactly what caused the outrage.

Archer suffered a left side strain during the third Test against Australia in Adelaide earlier this month, ruling him out of the final two fixtures in Melbourne and Sydney. The 30-year-old will also miss January's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka as he continues his recovery but, all being well, will return for the T20 World Cup the following month as England look to win the event for a third time, after triumphs in 2010 and 2022. England to begin T20 World Cup versus Nepal - full fixture listWhich teams have qualified for 2026 Men's T20 World Cup?Download the Sky Sports app for analysis, news and videoGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract through NOW Tongue has earned a maiden T20 call-up after impressing in The Ashes - the Nottinghamshire quick has bagged 12 wickets in two Tests in this winter's series, including a five-for in the recent two-day win at the MCG - and also in The Hundred last summer, when he claimed a tournament-leading 14 scalps for Manchester Originals. Brydon Carse has not been included with Tongue's selection squeezing him out, but the seamer will deputise for Archer during the preceding three-match T20 series in Sri Lanka. England can make changes to their squad up until a week before the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8. No Smith or Cox in T20 World Cup squad but Curran included All-rounder Will Jacks is involved after missing the white-ball tour of New Zealand in the autumn with a broken finger, although there is no place for Ashes team-mate Jamie Smith, who is also not picked for the three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka as Zak Crawley returns to the 50-over squad for the first time since December 2023. Smith, averaging under 20 in The Ashes with one fifty in eight knocks, opened in his previous three T20Is against the West Indies in June, hitting 60 off 26 balls in the last of those outings, but England are well stocked in that area with Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Ben Duckett. Jacks and Tom Banton are also options at the top, although the latter has found a regular role in the middle order of late. Batter Jordan Cox - Player of the Tournament in The Hundred last summer after starring for champions Oval Invincibles - and seamers Sonny Baker and Saqib Mahmood miss out on the World Cup but all-rounder Sam Curran is included, while Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed join Adil Rashid and Jacks in the spin department. England's first World Cup match is against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8 ahead of further group games versus West Indies on February 11 (Mumbai), Bangladesh on February 14 (Kolkata) and tournament debutants Italy on February 16 (Kolkata). The T20 World Cup will be captain Harry Brook's first in charge at a global tournament with the batter having taken over from Buttler following the dismal Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year in which England lost all three of their group matches. England reached the semi-finals of the previous T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in 2024 before losing to eventual champions India, two years after winning the 2022 edition in Australia. Success at the 2026 tournament would ease the pressure on head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director of cricket Rob Key after the recent Ashes series defeat. Why the Sri Lanka ODIs matter for England The ODIs in Sri Lanka are also important as England battle to qualify directly for the 2027 50-over World Cup in Africa. The top eight sides in the rankings, as well as co-hosts South Africa, will reach the tournament with England currently eighth, ahead of West Indies and Bangladesh, after losing 11 of McCullum's 15 ODIs in charge, including all three in New Zealand ahead of The Ashes. Smith recorded scores of nought, 13 and and five opening the batting against the Black Caps as his one-day international average dipped to 21.77 from 19 games. With the Surrey man now dropped from the squad to take on Sri Lanka in the format, there looks a high chance Duckett and Crawley will take their Test opening partnership into the 50-over arena. England in Sri Lanka schedule All times UK and Ireland First ODI (Thursday January 22) - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (9am)Second ODI (Saturday January 24) - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (9am)Third ODI (Tuesday January 27) - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (9am)First T20 (Friday January 30) - Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Pallekele (1.30pm)Second T20 (Sunday February 1) - Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Pallekele (1.30pm)Third T20 (Tuesday February 3) - Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Pallekele (1.30pm)England's T20 World Cup group-stage schedule All times UK and Ireland Vs Nepal (Sunday February 8) - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (9.30am)Vs West Indies (Wednesday February 11) - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (1.30pm)Vs Bangladesh (Saturday February 14) - Eden Gardens, Kolkata (9.30am)Vs Italy (Monday February 16) - Eden Gardens, Kolkata (9.30am)