The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 aired on ITV on Thursday, October 22, and viewers were left in tears just moments into the broadcast, taking to social media to express how much the ceremony means to them.
The awards, which honour the nation's unsung heroes, were presented at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday before a star-studded audience that included King Charles, England football icon Jude Bellingham, television presenter Davina McCall and comedian Alan Carr. Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, the event was screened on ITV with viewers sharing their emotional reactions online.
Viewers react emotionally on social media
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer wrote: "Get the hankies ready (two crying emojis)." A second posted: "It's that time of the year again...spend all night crying."
A third shared: "#PrideOfBritain never fails to put life into perspective The reminder that real heroes walk among us." Another commented: "Pride of Britain shows that while the world can be cruel, it also shows there are some truly brilliant human beings around. It never fails to put a smile on my face just knowing there are still plenty of good folk about."
A fifth added: "The #PrideOfBritain Awards shows how Beautiful, British #Heroes really are." One viewer wrote: "#Prideofbritain. Restores your faith in humanity. There are still the most wonderful people out there. We should be praising them all (clapping emojis)."
Child of Courage award highlights bravery
This year's ceremony featured the Child of Courage award, claimed by 12-year-old Zac Howells, who steered a car to safety when his mother Nicola Crump suddenly lost consciousness while driving at 60mph along a dual carriageway. The mother and son, from Ebbw Vale, Wales, were heading to a Christmas market last December when Nicola fainted, remaining unconscious for around seven minutes.
With her foot still pressing down on the accelerator, Zac nudged the vehicle into the central reservation to reduce its speed, averting a potential high-speed collision, before dialling 999 and providing their location. Nicola said: "It must have been really frightening for him but he knew he had to do something."
The pair appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, just hours after the ceremony, when presenter Susanna Reid listened back to the 999 call Zac had made. She admitted: "I'm in tears listening to it, oh my goodness."
Other honourees recognised for their contributions
Further recipients included Elaine Oakey (P&O Cruises Inspiration Award), who has dedicated over a decade to transforming the lives of young amputees through football, inspired by her son Jamie, 23, who was born without a foot and missing the lower part of his right leg.
Elaine Roberts received the Special Recognition award. Her son Andrew took his own life ten years ago, aged 23, and she and her son-in-law Luke Ambler established a male suicide prevention charity that has since saved thousands of lives. Andrew Franks from Manchester was presented with the Outstanding Bravery award after confronting a knife-wielding terrorist during an attack on his synagogue last year, providing crucial time for the congregation to barricade themselves behind the doors.
The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 are available to watch on ITVX.
