Idris Elba has achieved several milestones in his career, but it is hard to discover one that would feel as rewarding as this one.

The 43 year old actor has been named on the queen’s honours list for the New Year, awarded with an OBE for his exploits on the big screen.

Elba was thrilled to receive the award, gushing on his Facebook page about how ecstatic the honour feels.

“Awards and honors come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other,”

“But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year. On me head son!” he wrote.

Several others were named for honours, including fellow actor David Oyelowo- veteran actress Barbara Windsor was knighted.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is the “order of chivalry of British constitutional monarchy”, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations and public service outside the Civil Service, and comprises five classes.