Kellie – who chairs the All Party Group on Learning Disability – sent her congratulations on behalf of the whole group after the accolade was announced.

James has already put Northern Ireland drama firmly on the map following the success of ‘An Irish Goodbye’ where he played one of the lead characters, Lorcan. The film won its Oscar on James’ 31st birthday.

She added: “Not long after his Oscar success, James joined the All Party Group on Learning Disability as part of its celebrations for Learning Disability Week 2023. James and his friends at Mencap do important work in highlighting opportunities for people with Learning Disabilities, with the All Party Group continuing to do all it can to ensure these opportunities are available wherever possible.

“What a year it has been for James. This year he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Ulster and is listed in the Guinness World Records as the only leading actor in an Oscar winning film with Downs Syndrome.

“And now he can add a New Years Honour to his list of achievements. Congratulations to James and to all his family and friends. What a way to kick off 2024!”