The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 took place on Monday, October 19, at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House, bringing together stars and citizens to celebrate extraordinary acts of courage. Carol Vorderman, who has served as the ceremony’s host since 1999, returned to lead the evening alongside co-host Ashley Banjo.
While the night is dedicated to honoring the nation’s unsung heroes, the red carpet also marked a significant moment for television veteran Nick Knowles. Attending with his wife, Katie Dadzie, Knowles made his first public appearance since news broke that his long-running series, DIY SOS, will be placed on hiatus.
The BBC confirmed on October 17 that the flagship renovation program is being “rested” in 2027 to help the broadcaster meet a £500 million savings target. Despite the pause of the main series, a new spin-off titled DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life has been commissioned for 2027. This alternative format is designed to be more cost-effective by revisiting past projects and the families they impacted, rather than undertaking full-scale new builds.
The ceremony shifted focus from celebrity news to profound personal stories, such as that of Andrew Franks. He received the Outstanding Bravery award for his actions during an attack at a synagogue in Heaton Park in October 2025. Franks was recognized for his courage in tackling a knife-wielding attacker, an act that defined the evening’s theme of resilience.
Other notable figures from the entertainment world in attendance included Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, Davina McCall, and Shirley Ballas. The guest list traditionally features a mix of daytime television staples and sporting icons who gather to present awards to the Pride of Britain recipients.
Viewers can watch the full 2026 ceremony, including the presentation of awards and musical performances, when it is broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX. The program is scheduled to air at 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 22.
