The 2026 Mirror Pride of Britain Awards ceremony aired on ITV on Thursday, October 23, celebrating the nation's unsung heroes for their bravery and contributions to society.
The event was recorded at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday, with a star-studded audience that included King Charles, England footballer Jude Bellingham, presenter Davina McCall and comedian Alan Carr. Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, the show featured emotional moments, surprises, and a performance from boyband Blue.
Viewers react with tears and praise
Within minutes of the broadcast, ITV viewers took to social media to express their emotions. One wrote: "Get the hankies ready (two crying emojis)." Another 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 viewer 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."
Child of Courage winner Zac Howells
Among this year's recipients was Zac Howells, who won the Child of Courage accolade. The 12-year-old from Ebbw Vale, Wales, was in a car with his mother Nicola Crump last December when she fainted while driving at 60mph on a dual carriageway. With her foot on the accelerator, Zac steered the car into the central reservation to slow it down, preventing a high-speed crash, then called 999 and gave 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, where host Susanna Reid listened to the 999 call and admitted: "I'm in tears listening to it, oh my goodness."
Other honourees recognised
Elaine Oakey received the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award for her decade-long work 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 was given the Special Recognition award after her son Andrew took his own life ten years ago, aged 23. She and her son-in-law Luke Ambler set up a male suicide prevention charity that has saved thousands of lives. Andrew Franks from Manchester received the Outstanding Bravery award for tackling a knife-wielding terrorist during an attack on his synagogue last year, giving the congregation time to barricade themselves inside.
The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 are available to watch on ITVX.
