Express Environment Editor Steph Spyro has been named one of the UK's top 30 journalists under 30. She received the award at the 2026 ceremony on Wednesday night, where judges commended her reporting for having "helped drive tangible change over the past year."
Judges Praise Campaigning Journalism
The judges said: "Steph demonstrates sustained campaigning journalism with clear, measurable environmental impact… Her use of print, video, field reporting and direct confrontation shows strong cross-platform flair."
Award organisers added: "The stories she has pursued demonstrate her persistent and impactful campaigning journalism."
Notable Campaigns and Investigations
Steph recently led a successful campaign to free 14 penguins from the basement of London Aquarium, where they were kept without fresh air or daylight. She also travelled to Cyprus with Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin to investigate the illegal slaughter of songbirds, including on UK military bases.
During that trip, Steph joined a dawn raid on one of the island's most notorious hunters before using her fluent Greek to confront him in a YouTube investigation. Earlier this year, she travelled to Uganda with Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams to raise awareness of the plight of endangered mountain gorillas.
Recognition from Express Colleagues
Steph is also the regular Thursday host on the Daily Expresso YouTube show alongside Conservative MP Esther McVey.
Express deputy editor Sam Lister said: "Steph is a shining example of the brilliant group of young journalists we are developing at the Express." He added: "She is an integral part of our political team but also works hard to cover environmental issues. Her successful campaign to free the penguins from the London Aquarium and get them a better home is a fantastic example of her campaigning journalism. She produces great content across all our platforms and is one of our leading video stars. We are all extremely proud of her and the award is hugely deserved."
