Sir Idris Elba says he almost missed out on his Knighthood after letter from the King got lost ‘in a pile of post’

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I was absolutely thrilled to hear about Sir Idris Elba’s Knighthood, but apparently, it was a really close call! He said the official letter letting him know about it actually got lost in a stack of mail! Can you believe it? For a moment, he almost missed out on such a huge honor – thankfully, they found it in the end!

The 53-year-old actor was honored in the New Year Honours list for his work helping young people, specifically his campaign against knife crime in the UK. He only found out about the award a couple of days before he had to respond.

He recently admitted on The Graham Norton Show that he almost missed receiving an important letter. He explained it was a bit embarrassing, but the letter – asking if he’d accept something – got lost in a stack of mail and he never saw it.

My agent warned me that if I hesitated, the opportunity would be lost. I only discovered the offer letter with two days left to make a decision.

Fortunately, Elba received the letter and responded quickly. He was pleased to be asked, as it brought his mother great joy.

He explained he received the award for his work with young people, and his first thought was, ‘Wait a second, I’ve been an actor for three decades!’ He added that it’s a real honor, and his mother is thrilled.

The actor, known for his role in Luther, shared that he hasn’t yet received a knighthood, but his wife, Sabrina, age 36, is still very enthusiastic about the possibility.

Idris has said he was happy his work fighting knife crime in the UK was being acknowledged, as it will bring more attention to the issue and potentially help more young people.

He explained that he’s been focusing on raising awareness about the challenges young people face, particularly in the UK and globally.

I’m truly honored to receive this recognition, not for my acting, but for the work I do to help young people.

Idris appeared on The Graham Norton Show with actors Erin Doherty, Wunmi Mosaku, and Martin Freeman, as well as singer Olivia Dean.

Erin recently joked about her Emmy acceptance speech, explaining that her mother scolded her for using a swear word. She said she didn’t intend to curse, but was so impressed by how everyone looked. She reassured her mother that she wouldn’t repeat the mistake.

She shared that she was finally able to use her natural London accent while playing Mary Carr, a Victorian-era thief, in the Disney+ series A Thousand Blows.

Stephen Graham, my co-star, initially doubted I was right for the part. He’d only known me from my role as Princess Anne in The Crown, and it didn’t seem to fit. He was pleasantly surprised to learn I’m actually from Crawley, though!

Martin explained that he wasn’t familiar with the characters in the new Agatha Christie adaptation, ‘Seven Dials,’ because they originated in her earlier works.

The story takes place in the 1920s, a period still marked by the sadness and aftermath of World War I. It captures the spirit of the era with a voice that remains appealing today. The story is both humorous and touching, and it was a joy to create.

Wunmi immediately believed the movie Sinners, featuring Michael B. Jordan, would be successful. She explained, ‘I knew it would be a hit from the very first scene I read.’

Honestly, this project was incredible from the start – so rich and full of heart. The story itself is beautifully romantic, and I loved playing a character who was both loving and wise. What really blew me away? Finding out on the very last day of filming that the role was actually written for me! I had absolutely no idea, and it made the whole experience even more special.

Idris, through his Elba Hope Foundation which helps young people speak up for themselves, explained he was accepting the award for the inspiring youth his charity supports.

He expressed a desire to increase awareness about the need for ongoing, real-world help for young people, and emphasized that everyone has a role to play in guiding them away from violence.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, both in their late 60s, have been honored with Dame and Knight titles for their contributions to ice skating and their charitable work.

They first achieved Olympic glory by winning gold at the 1984 Winter Games, and later became well-known after appearing on the show Dancing on Ice.

Sir Christopher said receiving the award was amazing and that he and his skating partner were very humbled. He had experienced a stressful wait, as he received notification three days after his partner did.

As a huge fan, it felt so right to me that Dame Jayne and her partner finished their last tour earlier this year – she even said the timing felt ‘perfect’! It was a beautiful way to say goodbye after everything they’ve given us.

As a huge fan of women’s football, I was absolutely thrilled to hear that Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses’ manager, received an honorary damehood! It’s so well-deserved, especially coming just a year after Sir Gareth Southgate was knighted. It feels amazing to see both managers recognized for their incredible contributions to the sport.

Following their victory in the Euros this summer, several members of the England squad received honors. Captain Leah Williamson, 28, was appointed a CBE, while teammates Alex Greenwood, 32, Keira Walsh, 28, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, both 26, were made MBEs.

Sarina Wiegman, while ineligible for a full damehood because she isn’t British, shared her heartfelt thanks for the honor.

I never expected such kindness and support when I first came to England, and I’m incredibly grateful to the fans for everything.

The Graham Norton Show BBC One and iPlayer Friday January 16 at 10.40pm 

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2026-01-16 18:49