Lionesses star named in King's Birthday Honours

Lionesses star Michelle Agyemang and an ex-Harry Potter stuntman are among the people from Essex named in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Agyemang, from Stanford-le-Hope, scored two crucial equalisers for England during the knock-out stages of Euro 2025.

David Holmes, from Leigh-on-Sea, who was injured while filming the seventh Potter film in 2009, was also awarded for his services to film, media and charity.

Both were appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Honours List, published on Friday.

They were among 1,182 recipients named in the 2026 list.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Their dedication shows how lasting change is built - through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.

"It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you."

Agyemang's goals proved crucial as England went on to retain the Euro title on penalties in July.

She was awarded for her services to association football by King Charles III.

Holmes performed stunts deemed too risky for Harry Potter film star Daniel Radcliffe, but was paralysed in an accident aged 24.

While remaining friends with Radcliffe, he has recently penned a memoir about his injury and is due to debut it in theatres in 2027.

He previously told the BBC: "After the accident, I lost a decade of my life but I never held on to hate and blame. I owned the fact that I chose a dangerous profession."

Also named in the King's list was Simon Wood, executive head teacher of the Sir Martin Frobisher Academy in Clacton-on-Sea.

Liam Preston, from Danbury, who founded a baby loss charity, and the former Conservative leader of Castle Point District Council, Andrew Sheldon, were also awarded.

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