AUTHOR and broadcaster Michael Rosen proclaimed “follicles forever” after winning Beard of the Year 2025. 

The Goldsmith University professor of children’s literature beat Traitors stars Joe Marler and Joe Wilkinson, as well as New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, by a whisker for the Beard Liberation Front’s (BLF) annual honour.

Thanking the informal network of beard wearers for his “hairy badge of recognition” on Saturday, the popular children’s author said: “I am much honoured.

“In the light of this award, I vow to respect my beard throughout 2026. I send best wishes to all my fellow beardies. Follicles forever!”

BLF organiser Keith Flett said: “This was the closest Beard of the Year vote for some years with only a few percentage poll points between each of the finalists.

“We congratulate Michael Rosen on being voted Beard of the Year, his beard sends a message of resilience and gravitas in the public eye.”