Entertainer Matt Lucas has received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the United Kingdom’s New Year’s Honours for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Upon receiving the notification, Lucas initially questioned the authenticity of the letter, suspecting it might be a prank. “I’m still in shock. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I really wasn’t expecting it at any point,” he stated to the Press Association.
Lucas rose to fame portraying the character George Dawes on the British television show Shooting Stars. He gained international recognition alongside David Walliams through multiple comedy ventures, including the acclaimed radio and television series Little Britain. Since then, Lucas has ventured into various projects, appearing in Doctor Who, performing in the musical Les Misérables, publishing his autobiography, and transitioning into feature films. He has also hosted notable television programs, including a popular stint on The Great British Bake Off.
Celebrated Figures in the Honours List
Lucas is one of many distinguished individuals receiving recognition this year. Actor Idris Elba has been knighted, while writer and actress Myra Syal has been awarded a damehood. Renowned ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean also join this prestigious company. Additionally, German-born British composer Max Richter has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to music, including various television series and films.
Other notable recipients include writer Richard Osman, who has earned an OBE for his work on programs such as Pointless and House of Games, as well as for his bestselling First Thursday Murder Club series. Actor Warwick Davis also received an OBE and humorously remarked, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’ve been in Star Wars,” upon the announcement.
The honours also extend to the arts, with comedian Bill Bailey and Cynthia Erivo, star of the musical Wicked, both awarded MBEs. Singer Ellie Goulding received an MBE for her efforts in promoting biodiversity and addressing climate change. Notably, Goulding serves as a patron for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and has acted as a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme since 2017.
Community Recognition and Contributions
A total of 1,157 recipients have been honoured in this year’s New Year’s Honours list. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the recipients, stating, “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.”
Several individuals have been acknowledged for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Simon Millson, chair of the Kaleidoscope Trust, received an OBE, as did Dr. Jayne Margaret Ozanne, founder and director of the Ozanne Foundation. Dr. Alexander Rhys, founder of It Gets Better UK, was also honoured for his services to healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community. Other honourees include Matthew Daniels from Birmingham, Andrew Mathias from Wales, and Sandra McCourt from Scotland. David Sampson, Deputy Director of the Baring Foundation, was celebrated for his work promoting LGBTQ+ equality both in the UK and abroad.
Additionally, Anne Aslett, Global Chief Executive Officer of The Elton John AIDS Foundation, was awarded an OBE for her contributions to HIV, healthcare, and equality globally.
This year’s New Year’s Honours list highlights the diverse talents and contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, reflecting a commitment to community wellbeing and cultural advancement.
