DARTS world champion Luke “The Nuke” Littler has been made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. 

The kebab-loving arrows ace became the youngest world champion at 17 years and 347 days earlier this year. 

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Darts world champion Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has been made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours at just 17 years of age[/caption]

He has raised the sport’s profile with millions of youngsters. 

Slow Horses star Gary Oldman, 67, is given a knighthood recognising his incredible career in TV and films.  

Here’s how the awards were divided up among the wider spectrum of British life, from sport to showbiz and business…

SPORT 

Darts champs given MBEs

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Luke became the youngest world champion at 17 years and 347 days in January[/caption]

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Fellow darts champ Luke Humphries, 30, has also bagged an MBE[/caption]

DARTS is celebrating a double top in the King’s Birthday Honours after world champion Luke Littler and Humphries become MBEs. 

The arrows aces — more used to Ally Pally than Buckingham Palace — have massively boosted the sport’s profile. 

Kebab fan Luke “The Nuke” Littler, 18, became the youngest world champion at 17 years and 347 days in January.

Humphries, 30, pipped him in the 2024 PDC final. 

Deta Hedman, the first black woman to play at the worlds in 2020 and who has won titles in each of the past five decades, is an OBE. 

Last week The Sun revealed David Beckham had been awarded a knighthood after years of waiting. In a statement yesterday he called the honour “truly humbling”. 

He said: “It’ll take a while to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.” 

Billy Boston, 90, is the first rugby league player to receive a knighthood in its 130 years. 

Wimbledon champ Virginia Wade is made a CBE. 

Two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee is made an OBE. 

Rachel Daly, part of the Euro 2022-winning Lionesses is made an MBE.

The Aston Villa star said: “This award is for everyone who has supported me.” 

In cricket, England pace bowler Devon Malcolm becomes an OBE.

Wicketkeeper Steven Davies has been made an MBE, as has bowler David Lawrence, who took 625 wickets for Gloucestershire. 

Monica Vaughan, ten-time Paralympic swimming gold medallist, becomes an OBE. 

Andy Lapthorne, a 17-time grand slam champion in wheelchair tennis, is an MBE. 

The same honour goes to boxer Natasha Jonas, motorcyclist Michael Dunlop, golfer Trish Johnson and gymnastics commentator Christine Still. 

PM Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.” 

• By Julia Atherley 

SHOWBIZ & CHARITY 

It’s Knight service for Sir Gary

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Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — favourites of Queen Camilla — get MBEs[/caption]

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Slow Horses star Gary Oldman, who plays sharp-minded spymaster Jackson Lamb, is knighted[/caption]

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Love Island’s Georgia Harrison is made an MBE for her fight against violence to women — after ex Stephen Bear was jailed for revenge porn[/caption]

ACTOR Gary Oldman who plays the shambling but razor-sharp spy boss in Slow Horses is knighted. 

The Londoner, 67, was the only major-category Oscar winner yet to be honoured. 

Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — favourites of Queen Camilla — get MBEs. 

Tess said: “This came as the greatest surprise of my life.

“I don’t think I’ve come back down to earth.” 

Claudia, who also fronts The Traitors, added: “I will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble.” 

The Who rocker Roger Daltrey is knighted for work with the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Love Island’s Georgia Harrison gets an MBE for campaigning on tackling violence against women. Her ex Stephen Bear was jailed for sharing a sex tape. 

West End star Elaine Paige and novelist Pat Barker have been given damehoods. 

Actresses Anita Dobson and Samantha Morton get OBEs. 

Angel of the North sculptor Sir Antony Gormley is a Companion of Honour. 

Three family members receive British Empire Medals for Calum’s Cabin, a charity which provides holiday homes for children facing cancer.

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Duncan Caroline and Jenna Speirs, from Bute, Scotland, said the idea was started by Calum, Jenna’s twin, who had an inoperable brain tumour at 12 and died in 2006. 

Jenna said: “Calum spoke to children who’d never seen the sea, or been on a ferry. 

“It’s special for us to be honoured together.” 

Alison Magdin and daughter Carly Barrett who have fought to end knife crime in the North East, following the death of their daughter and sister Samantha, get MBEs. 

The youngest Honours recipient is 11-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson MBE, who fundraises despite a life-limiting muscle-wasting condition. 

• By Julia Atherley

WAR HERO 

Arnhem survivor Geoff, 99, bags accolade

Arthur Edwards / The Sun

War hero Geoff Roberts, 99, who survived the ill-fated Battle of Arnhem in 1944, is made an MBE after decades of returning to honour fallen comrades[/caption]

A SURVIVOR of doomed Operation Market Garden in World War Two has been made an MBE. 

Geoff Roberts, 99, has returned more than 60 times to Arnhem in the Netherlands to mark the battle in 1944 where more than 1,700 Brits died. 

Every time, he has visited the graves of his two best pals who took part in the nine-day airborne invasion immortalised in the film A Bridge Too Far. 

He was the only survivor last year from the 3,500 who took part who was fit enough to return. 

Geoff, a Private in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, said: “We failed, and the people of Arnhem paid a heavy price for us trying to liberate them — but they’re still thanking us after all this time.” 

Geoff, of Peterborough, received his gong for services to the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem and to charity. 

• By Mike Ridley

POLITICS

Borders boss gets rewarded 

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BORDER Force’s boss is getting a gong — despite a record number of small boat migrants arriving this year so far. 

Director general Philip Douglas becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), given to the military and civil service figures. 

The honours also include a damehood for former MP and Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, who had a key role in the King’s coronation when she presented the Sword of State to the monarch.

The former Defence Secretary said it was “lovely to be appreciated in this way”. 

• By Julia Atherley

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A messy night is in store.

Sir David Beckham says he is ‘immensely proud’ to have been awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.

One of the most famous and successful footballers of all-time, the former England captain is honoured for his services to sport and charity.

Among the other sporting names honoured this year are Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade and Darts superstar Luke Littler.

‘Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour,’ Beckham, 50, said.

‘To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.

‘Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.

‘I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment.

‘It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.’

David Beckham’s football career and charity work

A member of the famous Class of 92, Beckham lifted 12 trophies with Manchester United, playing a key role as they won the Champions League in 1999 to complete the treble.

‘All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David Beckham on this richly-deserved honour,’ the club said in a statement.

‘In the three and a half decades since he joined our academy as a 14-year-old, David has established himself as not only an indelible legend of this football club, but as a wonderful ambassador for the English game as a whole.

‘David, we salute your achievements and thank you for your tremendous contribution to Manchester United.’

The attacking midfielder made his England debut in 1996 but became public enemy No.1 at the World Cup two years later after getting sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone as the Three Lions exited on penalties in the last 16.

He bounced back and was made captain by Sven-Goran Eriksson, but while he could not help his country win silverware, he produced many magic moments including a sensational free-kick against Greece that booked England’s place at the 2002 World Cup.

After further success at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham retired in 2013 and has since become the founder and co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, whose signing of Lionel Messi has made them one of the world’s most internationally recognised clubs.

Thanks in part to his marriage to Spice Girl Victoria, Beckham’s fame transcended football, while away from the pitch he has been a global ambassador for UNICEF since 2005, and last year became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation.

Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK chief executive, said the charity was ‘thrilled’ by Beckham’s knighthood: ‘David has done an incredible amount to advocate for children’s rights over the last 20 years.

‘He’s travelled extensively to see UNICEF’s work and used his profile to raise awareness, as well as support our flagship fundraising campaign Soccer Aid for UNICEF and launch global fundraising appeals.

‘We are grateful for all of his support that has done a huge amount to amplify the voices of children around the world.’

Other sports stars recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Among the other sporting names listed in the King’s Birthday Honours is Virginia Wade, who won three major tennis singles championships, including Wimbledon in 1977, who becomes a CBE.

World No.1 Luke Humphries and world champion Luke Littler, who are currently representing England at the World Cup of Darts, have both been made an MBE.

Two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee has been made an OBE, as has Monica Vaughan, a 10-time Paralympic swimming gold medallist, and former England pace bowler Devon Malcolm.

Oldham secured their return to the English Football League earlier this month and its owner Frank Rothwell has become an OBE for services to dementia research.

Former Lioness and Euro 2022 champion Rachel Daly and 17-time wheelchair tennis grand slam champion Andy Lapthorne become MBEs.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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The long-running sitcom has been on our screens since 1990.

Bryan Mbeumo still prefers a transfer to Manchester United after Tottenham launched a £70 million offer for the Brentford forward, according to reports.

United are intent on strengthening Ruben Amorim’s attacking options ahead of the new season and completed their £62.5 million deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves this week.

A new striker is also on United’s wanted list for the summer window and they have already been dealt a blow this month as Liam Delap turned down a £30m move to Old Trafford in favour of joining Chelsea.

United have also been in advanced talks to sign Mbeumo but so far they have been unable to reach an agreement with Brentford over a fee for the Cameroon international.

It’s understood that United’s initial offer for Mbeumo worth £55m after add-ons was rejected by Brentford last week.

The Mirror are now reporting that Spurs have entered the running to sign Mbeumo following Thomas Frank’s arrival at the north London club this week and a £70m bid worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons has been submitted to Brentford.

Spurs could also have an advantage with Frank having worked extensively alongside Mbeumo at Brentford for the past six seasons.

But Sky Sports report that Mbeumo would still prefer a move to United having already given an indication at the start of this month that Old Trafford is his first-choice destination.

The report adds that Tottenham are not completely out of the running with Mbeumo ‘more intrigued’ by a move to Spurs after their decision to replace Ange Postecoglou with Frank.

It’s understood that Brentford have been holding out for at least £60m for the 25-year-old, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season.

Spurs, meanwhile, are considering a move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as an alternative option to Mbeumo.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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This would've been very awkward.

A new study has revealed the “best” fast food fries across the United States, and the top result might leave some potato fans shocked.

LOVE Island fans were left furious tonight as Harry made a series of derogatory comments about Helena.

In shock scenes, the boys were taken out of the villa for a boys’ night where they were met by three bombshells.

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Harry was seen questioning their future[/caption]

But before the new girls arrived, the lads decided to discuss their partners and Harry was quick to discuss if Helena was suitable for a relationship.

Earlier in the episode, Helena admitted she had a threesome with two men and Harry decided to tell the rest of the group.

Those watching at home were not impressed, and felt his remarks were unfair, with one person saying: “The misogyny is oozing out of harry ew.”

A second demanded he was booted out, writing: “Get harry out of here what the f**K.”

And a third raged:  “Harry, with his terrible attitude and haircut, must go home.” 

A RISING kitchen star has created a potato ice cream — topped with bits of bacon.

Michelin-trained Poppy O’Toole, 31, is touting the sweet-meets-savoury version and insists: “It works!”

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Poppy O’Toole created a potato ice cream — topped with bits of bacon[/caption]

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Michelin-trained Poppy is touting is touting the sweet-meets-savoury version and insists: ‘It works!’[/caption]

The self-titled “Potato Queen” of the internet mixes Maris Piper spuds with condensed milk, double cream, vanilla and salt to make the no-churn treat.

She suggests adding pieces of maple bacon or crispy potato sticks to complete the offering.

Poppy, who has 5.5 million internet followers, said: “People might know me for my roasties, but now it’s time for potato-based desserts to enter the chat.

“Sounds a bit wild, I know — but trust me, it works. I love showing how everyday ingredients can surprise you.”

Poppy, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, added: “Maris Pipers give it that velvety, creamy texture while keeping the sweetness in check, and topped with a bit of maple bacon or potato sticks . . . you’re in summery dessert heaven.”

Savoury ice creams are gaining popularity, with chefs experimenting with ingredients such as olive oil, miso and beetroot in sweet and salty pairings.

Poppy has linked up with Ocado to market hers.

A spokesman said the recipe showed un­usual flavour combinations can create “bold, surprising takes on everyday classics”.

It added: “It’s fun, unexpected, easy to make and delicious.”

ABEL Ferreira has been around. 

So when he says that current wonderkid Estevao is something really special, it is time to pay attention

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Estevao has played more than 50 games for Palmeiras before his 18th birthday[/caption]

Ferreira has had a long career as a right back in his native Portugal, coached there and in Greece before heading for Brazil, where for the last four and half years he has been the highly successful boss of Palmeiras. 

He oversaw the start of the career of Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick, who scored Brazil’s winner at Wembley last year. 

Ferreira, 46, says Chelsea’s newest arrival Estevao is “different from anything I’ve ever seen” — which means the kid must be something very special indeed.

It was in the middle of last year, in a post-match press conference, and Ferreira was fighting hard trying to stop himself from saying the words. 

WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN

But he could not hold his tongue.  It all came out. 

“This kid,” he said, “is different from anything I’ve ever seen.” 

He used the opportunity to make an appeal to the club not to sell Estevao – which, of course, fell on deaf ears. 

Within a few weeks Chelsea had done a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge, although not until after this summer’s Club World Cup.

The deal officially goes through on June 1, but the small print means that he’ll still be wearing a Palmeiras shirt for a few more weeks.

Chelsea fans will be able to see their new teenage prodigy when Palmeiras take on Porto in their opening game in New Jersey on Sunday.

So what was it about this slightly built, unassuming youngster that had captivated Abel Ferreira so much? 

In part, as you might expect from a coach who comes across as a young Jose Mourinho, it was a mentality thing. 

He loved the way that Estevao, right from the start, was so unflustered by failure. 

Ferreira would make a point of showing the Palmeiras youth players how, if a move did not come off, Estevao would dust himself down and, full of confidence, try something new. 

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Estevao has a reputation as a brilliant dribbler[/caption]

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The Brazilian teenager is predominantly left footed[/caption]

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Willian Estevao made his debut for Brazil last year aged 17[/caption]

At 17 he was taking crunch penalties and free kicks.  This, then, is a skinny little player with a big heart.

But what absolutely leaps out is the talent – that kind of George Best -type balance that makes it appear that, while things are happening all too quickly for the defenders, he is operating in slow motion, sizing up his options and calculating their chances of success. 

Left footed, he has been used on the right wing, where he can cut in and shoot, or go outside and cross. 

And, to the delight of his coach, he has a keen understanding of the space that he needs to attack.

His first start came almost a year ago – April 11th 2024, in a game in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League, against a team from Uruguay. 

Estevao made his mark, getting in at the far post to score with a header. 

It was not the type of goal that might have been expected from a player of his type, but it was the consequence of how he had read the situation and worked out where to go. 

All of this brought back memories of another little player who at 17 had a similar capacity to understand what was going on around him – a certain Lionel Messi. 

And at the start of his youth career, Estevao was nicknamed ‘Messinho.’ 

The name of that Uruguayan club, by the way, was Liverpool. 

And all around the stadium, even on his debut as a starter, there was an understanding that he would soon be on the other side of the Atlantic, coming up against a much bigger club with the same name.

Palmeiras fans, and Brazilian supporters in general, are catching Estevao while they can. 

Soon, though, watching him will be the privilege of the Chelsea faithful.  And they should be genuinely excited. 

It is hard to see how they can make use of all of the talent that they buy – Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez, for example, is having a tough time growing up in public. 

His form has slumped, which is worrying just a few months before his move to England. 

He could easily find himself out on loan, and lose momentum as a result. 

Estevao, though, will demand inclusion.  Chelsea supporters have the chance to follow the growth of the most dazzling talent to come out of Brazil since Neymar– but with much less of the baggage. 

Estevao is a discreet figure.  There is nothing histrionic about him, and instead of going to ground looking for fouls, he has the healthy habit of trying to stay on his feet. 

And before long, Estevao will be bringing Stamford Bridge to its feet.