The 28th Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises will take place in central London on October 19, with the ceremony broadcast on ITV and ITVX on October 22. The star-studded evening celebrates the achievements of the UK's real-life heroes, honouring unsung heroes such as children of courage, tireless fundraisers, and those who have acted with outstanding bravery.
Red Carpet Hosts and Broadcast Details
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks return to host the red carpet live stream, bringing their trademark energy and humour. Joining them on the red carpet is GK Barry, who will be getting up close with this year's winners and the line-up of famous faces as they make their grand entrance.
Speaking earlier this month, 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."
Main Ceremony Hosts and Award Categories
Co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will introduce the winners and their astonishing stories, with magical moments brought to life on prime time TV. Carol, 65, has been presenting the event since the Awards' inception in 1999. She 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."
Award categories include the This Morning Local Hero, the Emergency Services Award, Child/Teenager of Courage, and P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. Since the first Pride of Britain Awards in 1999, royalty, prime ministers, global icons and huge stars have honoured the winners, including HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Diana Ross, Sir Paul McCartney, Sharon Stone, Harry Styles, Janet Jackson, David Beckham, Taylor Swift, Anthony Joshua, Sir Mo Farah and Ant and Dec.
Notable Past Winners and 2026 Additions
In 2018, British cave rescue divers John Volanthen, Rick Stanton, Jason Mallinson, Chris Jewell, Josh Bratchley and Connor Roe won the Pride of Britain Outstanding Bravery Award, following the rescue of 12 boys and their football coach from the flooded Tham Luang cave in Thailand. The same year, 10-year-old Max Johnson received the Child of Courage award after campaigning for an opt-out organ donation system in England, which became known as Max and Keira's Law. In 2012, Katie Piper was honoured with the Special Recognition Award, and Doreen Lawrence received the Lifetime Achievement award. In 2024, Florrie Bark, an eight-year-old from Corby, Northants, won the Child of Courage.
For 2026, Ekin-Su joins returning host Ellis Ranson in the OK! Magazine fashion section. Ladbaby's Mark and Roxanne Hoyle will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and Harriet Fisher, known for Fired on Friday, Famous by Monday, makes her Pride of Britain debut. 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."
