Legendary thriller writer Mark Billingham has followed in the footsteps of literary luminaries including Colin Dexter, Ruth Rendell and John le Carré after being honoured with crime writing’s most prestigious award. The multi-million selling Tom Thorne creator has been named as the 2026 recipient of the Diamond Dagger by the Crime Writers’ Association.

Sleepyhead, published 25 years ago, was an instant bestseller, introducing country music-loving cop, Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, and leading to a further 18 books in the series – which was adapted by Sky 1 in 2010 starring David Morrissey as Thorne. The latest Thorne book, What the Night Brings, Billingham’s 25th book, was published to acclaim last year.

“Presuming this is not an administrative error, I could not be more thrilled or honoured,” joked Billingham, 64, following the announcement on Wednesday. “To be added to a list that features most of my literary heroes is fantastic. That so many are also friends is the icing on the cake and, for me, a mark of how very special the crime-writing community is.

Other past icons to have received the award – a literal dagger – include the late PD James and Reginald Hill. More recent recipients include Mick Herron, Lynda La Plante, James Lee Burke, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Ian Rankin and Lee Child.

Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said: “Across a remarkable body of work, Mark has consistently set the bar for contemporary crime fiction, while also being generous with his time and support to emerging writers. His influence on the genre extends far beyond his own novels, shaping the crime writing community as a whole. For his outstanding contribution to crime fiction, his lasting impact on readers and writers alike, and his commitment to the genre, Mark Billingham is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Diamond Dagger.”

In 2023, Billingham, who lives with his TV director wife Claire Winyard, and their two children in north London, introduced a new series featuring DS Declan Miller with The Last Dance followed by The Wrong Hands (2024). The third book in the series, The Shadow Step, is due to be published later this year. His stand-alone novels include In the Dark, Die of Shame and Rabbit Hole. A series based on the novels In the Dark and Time of Death was screened on BBC1 in 2017.

In 2022, Billingham won the CWA’s Dagger in the Library, voted by librarians, for his body of work. He’s also been awarded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year twice (Lazybones, 2005 and Death Message, 2009).

CWA Diamond Dagger sponsor, Karen Baugh Menuhin, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Mark Billingham on being chosen as the 2026 recipient of crime fiction’s highest honour. His place amongst crime writing royalty is hard won and richly deserved.”

The Diamond Dagger recognises authors whose careers have been marked by sustained excellence and a significant contribution to the genre. One of the UK’s most prominent societies, the CWA was founded in 1953 by John Creasey. The awards started in 1955 with its first award going to Winston Graham, best known for Poldark.

Born in Birmingham, Billingham worked as an actor and stand-up comedian before becoming a full-time author, best known for playing the role of Gary in the cult children’s TV show, Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. He continues to be a regular face and voice on TV and radio and is also a member of the rock band, The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers – also featuring Val McDermid, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone, Stuart Neville, and Chris Brookmyre – who performed at Glastonbury in 2019 and 2024.

The CWA Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre and have been synonymous with quality crime writing for more than half a century. Nominations for the CWA Diamond Dagger are recommended by CWA members. Industry experts then narrow these down to a shortlist. The winner is then voted for by a panel of past Diamond Dagger winners.

The Diamond Dagger, sponsored by Karen Baugh Menuhin, is presented at the annual CWA Dagger Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the crime genre,’ which take place on July 2.