The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday, October 22, from 8pm to 10.05pm. The ceremony took place in London earlier this week.
Hosts and categories
Carol Vorderman returns as host for the 27th year running, alongside co-host Ashley Banjo. The awards honour unsung heroes, including children of courage, tireless fundraisers, and those who have acted with outstanding bravery.
Categories include the This Morning Local Hero, the Emergency Services Award, Child/Teenager of Courage, and P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.
What to expect at the ceremony
The programme description says: "This year's ceremony from London's Grosvenor House Hotel sees a star-studded line up including His Majesty The King, Jude Belllingham, Davina McCall and Alan Carr celebrate the nation's unsung heroes."
It adds: "Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, expect plenty of emotion and surprises along with inspirational stories of bravery, achievement and selflessness. Plus, stepping off their 25th Anniversary Tour for a special performance are boyband Blue."
History and legacy
Founded by former Mirror editor Peter Willis, the awards have been presented by Vorderman since their 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."
Previous honorees have included 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.
