The 2026 Mirror Pride of Britain Awards ceremony is airing on ITV this evening (Thursday, October 22), as the country's unsung heroes receive recognition for their inspiring contributions to society and courageous deeds.
The honours were presented at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday before a glittering audience including King Charles, England legend Jude Bellingham, presenter Davina McCall and comedian Alan Carr.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, viewers have now been experiencing the emotional moments and surprises alongside inspirational accounts of courage, accomplishment and selflessness, as well as a special performance from boyband Blue.
Viewers react emotionally to the ceremony
Within moments of the broadcast beginning, ITV viewers were expressing their emotions and highlighting how vital they believe the ceremony to be, reports the Mirror.
One viewer said: "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 said: "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 commented: "The #PrideOfBritain Awards shows how Beautiful, British #Heroes really are." One viewer expressed: "#Prideofbritain. Restores your faith in humanity. There are still the most wonderful people out there. We should be praising them all (clapping emojis)."
Welsh Child of Courage winner honoured
This year's awards featured the Child of Courage accolade, which went to quick-thinking Zac Howells, who was just 12 years old when his mother Nicola Crump suddenly lost consciousness while driving them 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 approximately seven minutes.
With her foot still pressing down on the accelerator, Zac steered the vehicle to safety, nudging it into the central reservation to bring it to a halt, averting what could have been a catastrophic high-speed collision. He then dialled 999 and provided their location. Nicola says: "It must have been really frightening for him but he knew he had to do something."
The mother and son appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, just hours after the ceremony, where host Susanna Reid listened to the 999 call Zac had made. She admitted: "I'm in tears listening to it, oh my goodness."
Other recipients recognised for bravery and dedication
Among the other recipients was Elaine Oakey (P&O Cruises Inspiration Award), who has dedicated more than a decade to transforming the lives of young amputees through football.
Elaine's mission was inspired by her son Jamie, 23, who was born without a foot and missing the lower part of his right leg. Elaine Roberts was presented with the Special Recognition award. Her son Andrew took his own life ten years ago, aged just 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 awarded the Outstanding Bravery award after confronting a knife-wielding terrorist during an attack on his synagogue last year, buying vital time for the congregation to barricade themselves behind the doors.
The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 are available to watch on ITVX.
