Torvill & Dean and Wiegman recognised in New Year Honours

Ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have received a damehood and knighthood respectively in the New Year Honours list, while England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame.

Torvill and Dean won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo with perfect marks for an instantly iconic performance set to Maurice Ravel’s Bolero.

The four-time ice dancing world champions also claimed four European titles and, in 1994, an Olympic bronze medal.

“Just to receive this honour is wonderful and humbling at the same time,” said Dean.

England boss Wiegman, who is Dutch, becomes an honorary dame after leading the Lionesses to successive European Women’s Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

Several members of the Lionesses squad are also recognised, including captain Leah Williamson who is appointed a CBE.

The 28-year-old – a two-time European champion with England who also won the Champions League with Arsenal in 2025 – was made an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours.

Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone all become MBEs.

There are also honours for England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning side.

Red Roses coach John Mitchell, a New Zealander, is appointed an OBE for services to the sport, as is captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft).

Torvill and Dean told the BBC their latest honours – in recognition of services to skating and the voluntary sector – were the “culmination” of half a century together, which they brought to a close in July following a final tour.

However, when Torvill received a letter notifying her of the damehood, Dean said he was left wondering whether he had missed out – until his own correspondence arrived by post several days later.

Reflecting on their success, the pair who started training together as teenagers, described Olympic glory as “just amazing”.

“We were almost lost in a dream when we were doing it,” Dean explained. “In the arena, it was really quiet. [It felt like it was] just the two of us.

“It was only when we came back [to Nottingham] that we realised the impact because they put on a street parade.

“It was lined from where Jayne lived to the city centre. We were rock stars for a day.”

Wiegman said she “could never have imagined” the “respect and warmth” from English people she has received since becoming England manager as she paid tribute to the efforts of those on the pitch.

“This title is a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff,” she said.

“Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one, then there is recognition for all. I’m proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of people.”

In addition to Mitchell and Stratford’s honours, Red Roses vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones are appointed an OBE and MBE respectively, with Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne both becoming MBEs.

Describing the moment she received the news by email, Kildunne said: “I didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh. I just wanted to call my mum.

“I texted her a screenshot and said: ‘What does an MBE actually mean?’

“I’m super proud of myself and anyone that’s on the list. To be decorated with such an award, it’s cool.”

Jones, whose parents passed away last year, said she was “proud” to receive the honour. She is sure her parents would have been delighted.

“I think they would just be over the moon,” Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s such a sad situation to be in. I wish I could have those moments with them.

“Now the cards I have got – I have a beautiful family and beautiful girlfriend Celia, who looks after me. Her family are amazing. I’ve got beautiful friends. They all look after me.

“I feel very honoured and kind of indebted to those people as well, because they’ve picked me up when I’ve needed them the most.”

She added: “I honestly did not expect it [the MBE]. It’s something I probably had never really thought of getting.

“The bit you think of getting is winning the World Cup, so to receive that is a huge honour and massive privilege as well.”

Rhys McClenaghan has been appointed an MBE for services to gymnastics.

The 26-year-old, from County Down, Northern Ireland, won a gold medal for Team Ireland in the pommel horse at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe becomes an OBE for services to sport.

Presenter Gabby Logan and football commentator Clive Tyldesley are both made OBEs in recognition of their work in broadcasting and in the charity sector.

Broadcaster and former England cricketer Isa Guha is made an MBE for inclusivity and cricket.

Former Tottenham executive chairman Daniel Levy, who left the role in September after almost 25 years, is appointed a CBE for services to charity and to the community in Tottenham.

Ex-footballer Kerry Davis, who became England’s first black woman international in 1982 and went on to win 90 caps, is made an MBE.

Former Welsh rugby player Jonathan Davies is also made a CBE for his work as president of the Velindre Cancer Care Trust.

Knighthood

Christopher Dean (former ice skater), for services to ice skating and to voluntary service

Damehood

Jayne Torvill (former ice skater), for services to ice skating and to voluntary service

Sarina Wiegman (England football manager), honorary damehood as she is a Dutch national

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Jonathan Davies (former Welsh rugby player), for work as president of the Velindre Cancer Care Trust

Daniel Levy (former Tottenham Hotspur executive chairman), for services to charity and the community in Tottenham

Leah Williamson (England captain), for services to football

Fergus McCann (former Celtic chief executive) for services to the economy and charity.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Zoe Stratford (England captain), for services to rugby union

Derek Brewer (former Nottinghamshire and MCC chief executive, and former board adviser, England and Wales Cricket Board), for services to cricket

Dr Ann Budge (former chair and chief executive officer, Hearts), for services to sport and to the community in Midlothian

Dr James Craig (former Celtic player), for services to Scottish football and to charity

Gabby Logan (broadcaster), for services to sports broadcasting and to charity

John Mitchell (England head coach), for services to rugby union

Barry O’Brien (cricket administrator), for services to the law, to cricket and charity

Marlie Packer (England international), for services to rugby union

Sarah-Jane Perry (squash player, grassroots champion and mentor), for services to squash

Stuart Pringle (chief executive officer, Silverstone Circuit), for services to motorsport

Paula Radcliffe (broadcaster and former athlete), for services to sport

Clive Tyldesley (broadcaster), for services to sports broadcasting and to charity

Gill Whitehead (chair, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025), for services to women’s rugby

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Dr Frances Akor (non-executive director, UK Anti-Doping), for services to sport

Joe Appiah (athlete), for services to sport, public health and public service

Susan Briegal (chief executive, World Netball) for services to sport

Daniel Costello, for services to community, sport and youth development

Kerry Davis (former England international), for services to football and to diversity in sport

Simone Fisher (director of equality, diversity and inclusion, Professional Footballers’ Association), for services to football

Alex Greenwood (England international), for services to football

Isa Guha (broadcaster and former England cricketer) for services to inclusivity and cricket

Megan Jones (England international), for services to rugby union

Tara Jones (referee), for services to rugby league

Sadia Kabeya (England international), for services to rugby union

James Keothavong (umpire), for services to tennis and tennis umpiring

Ellie Kildunne (England international), for services to rugby union

Louise Kingsley (director of performance, Great Britain rowing team), for services to sport

David Laing (chair, Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group) for services to sport

Julia Lee (former referee and advocate for women’s rugby league), for services to rugby league

Sarah Massey (managing director, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025), for services to women’s rugby union

Rhys McClenaghan (gymnast), for services to gymnastics

Dr Ritan Mehta (head of medical and team doctor, England women’s football team), for services to football

David Perks (athletics coach), for services to athletics

Kambiz Ramzan Ali (Taekwondo master) for services to taekwondo and the community

Toby Roberts (Olympic champion), for services to sport climbing

Georgia Stanway (England international), for services to football

Ella Toone (England international), for services to football

Nigel Travis (boxing coach), for services to boxing and the community

Keira Walsh (England international), for services to football

Colin Wright (co-founder, Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy), for services to women’s gymnastics

Marie Wright (co-founder, Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy), for services to women’s gymnastics