Joe Wicks is made an MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Joe Wicks has been made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his efforts at keeping kids active in lockdown. 

The fitness coach, 35, was given the honour for helping inspire people to stay  motivated and mentally fit with his online PE lessons, and for his other charity efforts.

His YouTube workouts raised £580,000 for the NHS and became incredibly popular across the country as people were confined to home workouts. 

Impressive! Joe Wicks has been made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his efforts at keeping kids active in lockdown

He said yesterday: ‘I can’t quite believe it… To receive this is just incredible. I’m so proud that I’ve done something which helps so many people.’

He also thanked those who joined the workouts and made them a ‘special moment in my life’.

Wicks claimed a Guinness World Record for live streaming after one of his online classes attracted almost a million viewers. 

Award: The fitness coach, 35, was given the honour for helping inspire people to stay motivated and mentally fit with his online PE lessons, and for his other charity efforts

Award: The fitness coach, 35, was given the honour for helping inspire people to stay motivated and mentally fit with his online PE lessons, and for his other charity efforts

It comes as TV host Lorraine Kelly said yesterday she felt ‘humbled’ to be recognised in the list.

The 60-year-old presenter got her a CBE for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

Clearly thrilled with the accolade, she said: ‘This is such an unexpected honour. ‘I’m very grateful and humbled – particularly as I’m in far more deserving company. All of those frontline workers are true heroes.’ 

Exciting news! TV host Lorraine Kelly said yesterday she felt 'humbled' to be recognised in the list

Exciting news! TV host Lorraine Kelly said yesterday she felt ‘humbled’ to be recognised in the list

England footballer Marcus Rashford was also given an MBE after he triggered a government U-turn on free school meals.

The Manchester United player was honoured for his services to vulnerable children in the UK during the pandemic. 

The sports star, 22, lobbied the Government into continuing its free school meals policy during lockdown over the summer.

He has since formed a child food poverty task force, linking up with some of the country’s biggest supermarkets and food brands.

Well deserved: England footballer Marcus Rashford was also given an MBE after he triggered a government U-turn on free school meals

Well deserved: England footballer Marcus Rashford was also given an MBE after he triggered a government U-turn on free school meals

Last month fitness coach Joe revealed he was ‘really struggling’ with his mental health, after Boris Johnson addressed the nation with tighter restrictions.

The Body Coach star took to Instagram to tell his legions of followers he felt ‘powerless, unmotivated and confused’ about when life will get back to normal.  

He said he was feeling depressed himself after Boris imposed a set of new restrictions, including a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, indoor sports subject to the Rule of Six, and people working from home where possible- all of which could last for six months.  

In an emotional video, Joe said: ‘I’ve just finished watching the press conference with Boris Johnson around the new UK Covid restrictions.

Depressed: Last month fitness coach Joe revealed he was 'really struggling' with his mental health, after Boris Johnson addressed the nation with tighter restrictions

Depressed: Last month fitness coach Joe revealed he was ‘really struggling’ with his mental health, after Boris Johnson addressed the nation with tighter restrictions

‘I can really feel for the first time this is starting to take effect now on my mental health, it’s really bringing me down. I’m finding it hard to be optimistic, it’s confusing.  

‘I don’t know where I stand and can’t even comprehend where the end is. You know that feeling of powerlessness and confusion is quite a hard feeling to deal with.

‘Normally we’re in control of things and we can change things but with this, it’s a realisation that this isn’t going to away tomorrow is really getting me down.

‘The one thing I love more than anything is being connected with community, my mum, dad, my family and friends. I love being around people. 

‘All these things are disconnecting me from my work colleagues, family, from meeting in groups of friends.

‘I understand why but it doesn’t make it any easier and I think it’s so important to talk about how you’re feeling. Don’t bottle it up.’  

Joe, who is father to daughter Indie, two, and son Marley, nine months, went on to drum home the importance of exercise and urged his followers not to give up on their physical health, because their ‘mental health will deteriorate quicker’. 

Family first: The YouTuber shares daughter Indie and son Marley with model wife Rosie, 30

Family first: The YouTuber shares daughter Indie and son Marley with model wife Rosie, 30