The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises has revealed the A-list team that will greet winners on the red carpet at this year's ceremony, taking place in central London on 19 October. The event will air on ITV and ITVX from 22 October.
Returning hosts and new faces
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks return to host the Red Carpet Live stream, bringing their trademark energy and humour to Pride of Britain's social channels. Joining them is GK Barry, who will interview winners and famous faces as they arrive.
Sam and Pete said: "We are back as your official red carpet hosts for the best night of the year - the Pride of Britain Awards 2026. And what an honour it is to be involved for another year as official red carpet hosts - it's always chaotic with us, but always so fun. It's the one evening where we all come together to celebrate the nation's true heroes so please get involved and tune in."
GK Barry said: "'Come on! The night we're all waiting for - Pride Of Britain. It is a genuine honour to be involved in the awards every year - from judging panel to red carpet hosting. It's such a special night where our Country's heroes and legends are celebrated. I can't wait to meet the much deserved winners this year, see you on that carpet."
New hosting duos and behind-the-scenes content
In the OK! Magazine fashion section, Ekin-Su joins returning host Ellis Ranson for 2026, showcasing the night's most show-stopping looks. Ekin-Su said: "Pride of Britain is always such a moving and inspiring night, so I feel really honoured to be part of it this year. Hosting on the red carpet is incredibly exciting but for me the most special part is getting to celebrate the remarkable people and stories at the heart of the awards."
Ladbaby's Mark and Roxanne Hoyle return to share exclusive behind-the-scenes content throughout the night. Harriet Fisher, known for her street-interview series 'Fired on Friday, Famous by Monday', makes her Pride of Britain debut, capturing stories away from the main ceremony and chatting to winners and stars.
Harriet said: "I couldn't be more excited to be a part of The Pride of Britain Awards family this year. What a joy to be able to clap these monumental achievements from extraordinary people. I've always loved watching from the sofa, so to be able to be there with my mic and be a part of such a unique show is a real dream come true."
Celebrating the nation's heroes
The 28th Pride of Britain Awards celebrates the achievements of real-life heroes, with categories including the This Morning Local Hero, the Emergency Services Award, Child/Teenager of Courage, and the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. Founded by former Mirror editor Peter Willis, the awards honour children of courage, tireless fundraisers, and those who have acted with outstanding bravery.
Co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will introduce the winners and their stories. Vorderman, who has presented since 1999, told the Mirror: "Pride of Britain is needed now more than ever. We're incredibly divided as a nation. And there are plenty of reasons to be miserable: the cost of living crisis, global uncertainty. But through it all, one thing unites us - and that is hope. And the goodness of people."
Ashley Banjo, who joined as host in 2021, told the Mirror: "I think Pride of Britain is important for so many reasons. It's called Pride of Britain because you see this real cross-section of the country. If anybody wants to know what Britain is, don't go to one particular area, or listen to one particular person, or sit inside one particular echo chamber."
Previous winners include British cave rescue divers honoured in 2018 for rescuing 12 boys and their football coach from the flooded Tham Luang cave in Thailand, and 10-year-old Max Johnson, who received the Child of Courage award after campaigning for an opt-out organ donation system in England. The Pride of Britain Awards take place on 19 October, airing on ITV and ITVX from 22 October.
