The Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards has become a huge event in the calendar with the country’s unsung heroes being honoured for their bravery
Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo host Pride of Britain Awards 2026(Image: ITV)
The 2026 Mirror Pride of Britain Awards ceremony is being screened on ITV tonight (Thursday, October 22) as the nation’s unsung heroes are recognised for their inspiring contributions to society and acts of bravery.
The awards were presented inside at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday infront of a star-studded line up including King Charles, England legend Jude Belllingham, presenter Davina McCall and comedian Alan Carr.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, viewers will witness plenty of emotion and surprises along with inspirational stories of bravery, achievement and selflessness as well as a special performance from boyband Blue.
And just minutes into the broadcast of the awards – which have been a firm fixture since their launch in 1999 – ITV viewers could not hold back their emotion as they shared how important they think the awards are.
READ MORE: Tears and triumph as Pride of Britain Awards honour our greatest quiet heroes
One 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).”
This year’s awards include the Child of Courage accolade which was won by quick-thinking Zac Howells who was just 12 years old when his mum Nicola Crump suddenly passed out while driving them at 60mph on a dual carriageway.
The mum and son, from Ebbw Vale, Wales, were on their way to a Christmas market last December when Nicola fainted, remaining unconscious for around seven minutes.
With her foot pressed on the accelerator, Zac steered the car to safety, bumping it into the central reservation to slow it down, preventing a potentially devastating high speed crash. He then called 999 and gave their location. Nicola says: “It must have been really frightening for him but he knew he had to do something.”
The mum and son appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, hours after the ceremony, when host Susanna Reid listened in to the 999 call Zac made. She admitted: “I’m in tears listening to it, oh my goodness.”
**Ensure our latest Strictly stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. **Click here to activate** or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings**
Other recipients included Elaine Oakey (P&O Cruises Inspiration Award) who has spent more than a decade 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 received 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 set up a male suicide prevention charity that has saved thousands of lives.
Andrew Franks from Manchester was handed the Outstanding Bravery award after tackling 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