Some of the most popular JMU Journalism ‘hero’ poll nominees. Images © Wikipedia/Creative Commons
Many people would instinctively class their parents or maybe their grandparents as their inspirational role models in life, but aside from family members who would you rate as your personal hero?
It’s not an easy thing to instantly bring to mind… or is it?
JMU Journalism sent a team of more than 70 reporters out onto the streets of Liverpool on Friday October 11th to ask the question: “Apart from your friends or family, who is your hero or someone you really admire? It can be someone dead or alive.”
We asked 354 people of ages ranging from 16 up to 87 years’ old to think of their chosen hero. It was clear that not everyone interpreted the question in the same way, although a fascinating and diverse set of responses emerged, featuring more than 240 different names.
Though the sample is relatively small and not representative of the city as a whole, the ‘vox pop’ snapshot findings are both revealing and interesting.
Nelson Mandela proved to be the most popular answer among those polled in town, with the South African political icon gaining 16 nominations.
Jennifer Brown, 58, of Liverpool spoke for several respondents when she told JMU Journalism: “Nelson Mandela, as he stuck to what he believed in and fought for what he believed in. He was so graceful when let out of prison, to be forgiving instead of full of hatred. He could have made South Africa into a bad country but he didn’t, he united them.”
16 – Nelson Mandela
12 – Steven Gerrard
11 – Beyoncé Knowles
6 – David Beckham; Winston Churchill & John Lennon
5 – Muhammad Ali; Jimi Hendrix & Bill Shankly
4 – Kenny Dalglish; Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi & Marilyn Monroe
3 – Richard Branson; Stephen Fry; Noel Gallagher; Angelina Jolie; Florence Nightingale; Paul O’Grady; Lord [Alan] Sugar; Margaret Thatcher & Mother Teresa
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard finished in second place overall after receiving 12 votes, one more than third-ranked American singer, Beyoncé Knowles.
Sam Green, 18, of Liverpool chose Steven Gerrard because “he is an inspirational figure who has carried us for years, and he led us to the top of European football, like in 2005 in the UEFA Champions League final.”
Crosby resident Abbie Kneen, 17, opted for Beyoncé as “she’s not only a good singer but a successful businesswoman as well. I’ve always wanted to be a singer so she’s definitely someone to look up to”.
While The Beatles picked up a couple of votes collectively, John Lennon was the most popular answer among the Fab Four with six mentions, though nobody chose Sir Paul McCartney.
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher turned out to be not as universally unpopular in Liverpool as one might imagine, as she earned three votes – the same number as humanitarian charity worker Mother Teresa.
Scroll down through the full poll result below, along with edited explanations of the public’s choices.
Some of the answers may raise an eyebrow or two…
Additional reporting by: Aimée Hamilton; Nathan Pearce; Ben Cummings; Lucy Barton; Christy Jade Biggar; Sophie Corcoran; Jessica Arnell; Jessica Bond; Matthew Crosby; Astra Armitt; Katie Braithwaite; Steven Carson; Daniel Charlesworth; Bethany Cronin; James Knowles; Gabrielle Britton; Stephanie Bocking; Beth Collins; Nathan Burgess; Noor Ali; Conor Allison; Callum Smyth; Emily Curren; Lucy Darbyshire; Eleanor Davies; Sam Davies; Olivia Doherty; Luke Edwards; James Gamble; Alexandra Gorton; Caoimhe Harkin; Emma Harrison; Kate Hewison; Andrew Highton; Hannah Hodgson; Bethan Hughes; Elliot Hughes; Jessica Johnson; Amy Jones; Jessica Jones; Ryan Jones; Stephanie Jones; Adam Lawrance; Connor Lynch; Joseph Mallia; Charlotte Mann; Tiernan McGee; Lucy Nixon; Terence O’Sullivan; Brett Peyton; Lewis Phillips-Calvert; Lewis Price; Amber-Ainsley Pritchard; Barry Rocks; William Rogers; Kamara Samuels; Sophie Sear; Stephanie Sweeney; Liam Walker; Emily Webster; Emma White; Jack Whitehead; Jenny Kirkham; Emilia Ward; Alexandra Duncan; Laura Gilchrist; Amy Cole; Hannah Rogers; Leigh McManus; Aleksandra Kudra; Jake Hirst; Vaiva Gedvilaite; Kayleigh Quinn & Lisa Rimmer
Janet Emery, 50, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela because I am South African and I think what the man achieved in such a tense political situation is amazing. The anger you would expect from someone who suffered as much as he has, there’s none of it.”
Paul Lynch, 35, Liverpool
“John Lennon because he stood up for the people… he is the people’s champion.”
Mark Billington, 51, Liverpool
“Ray Mears. I do a lot of camping and outdoor activities so I learnt how to get out of uncomfortable situations, like being left in the dark and he’s also a psychologist. He taught me survival techniques.”
Tom Armfield, 20, Blackpool
“Bobby Charlton. After the Munich disaster he got badly injured but didn’t give up after his friends had died and went on to win the European Cup.”
Tom Capper, 18, Liverpool
“David Beckham. He is an all-round great guy he does everything, from charity to football.”
Christine Kavana, Liverpool
“Maximillion Kolbe [Auschwitz victim]. He prayed with the prisoners every day and gave his life so another man could live, he is an inspiration.”
Tom Roberts, 20, Liverpool
“Sylvester Stallone as Rocky. I find him a real motivation in life and is someone I look up to.”
Tom Johnson, 17, Liverpool
“Noel Gallagher. I think he is really inspirational and he is the reason I got into playing music.”
Kieran McKenna, 17, Liverpool
“George Harrison. I started playing guitar because of him and I think he is an inspiration.”
Pete Robinson, Liverpool
“Kurt Cobain. I really like him, he is a musical genius.”
Federica Picceri, 19, London
“Alan Sugar because I do business studies. I find it inspirational how he worked his way up to the top from where he came from, to where he is now.”
Katlin Williams, 18, London
“Beyoncé. She’s the perfect person, is good at everything and I just want to be her.”
John Brown, 60, Fazakerley
“Daniel Day-Lewis because he is a fine actor.”
Alan Dixon, 80, Liverpool
“Her Majesty the Queen. She has had to put up with a lot of stuff over the years that she has been in power.”
Bea Palmer, 67, Liverpool
“Eleanor Rathbone [health campaigner] because health wise she did a lot for this city. She was part of the big Rathbone family.”
Luke Hyland, 17, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard because he is a legend. I love football and Liverpool Football Club.
Dave Gordon, 57, Birmingham
“Gandhi because of his fight for freedom. He also advocated non-violence because it was something he believed in.”
Derek Pearson, 70, Carlisle
“Tom Finney because he was the greatest footballer to ever grace Preston.”
Sue Pearson, 63, Carlisle
“Evelyn Glennie [musician] because she was a very talented percussionist. She was deaf at a young age and pursued her dream through feeling the vibrations.
Francesca Mancini, 54, Florence (Italy)
“Julius Caesar because I would have liked to have travelled with him.”
Mark Mawer, 28, Liverpool
“Winston Churchill because he saved us from the war.”
Michael Lambert, 71, Southport
“Jimmy Greaves because he is the greatest footballer I have ever known. He also seems like a nice guy.”
Thomas Rogers, 72, Liverpool
“Douglas Bader, a Spitfire pilot in the Second World War and because my father was a Spitfire pilot.”
Mary Macklin, 82, Liverpool
“Andre Rieu, [musician] I like him, I enjoy his programmes. Lads think I am crackers.”
Anne Hodgeson, 48, St Helens
“Mahatma Ghandi. He believed in doing things in a peaceful way, not an aggressive way.”
Linda Hermason, 60, Aintree
“Prince William because if his mother was still alive she’d be so proud of him.”
Myrna Yutuc, 44, Wirral
“Margaret Thatcher. She is the first woman Prime Minister, she tried to be a good leader and boost the economy.”
Jean Godden, 60, Aintree
“Nelson Mandela, all the good he’s done and what he stands for.”
Dean Fallows, 35, Essex
“Oscar Pistorius [Olympian], until everything that happened last year. What he achieved with no legs. I used to be into athletics and from a young age he was my hero.”
Paul Hirons, 36, Liverpool
“Ivor Cutler [poet/musician], I just grew up listening to his songs and he had a good outlook on life. He just liked being silly.”
Judith Watkins, 62, Kensington
“Bill Shankly. He made Liverpool Football Club the greatest club in the world. He built the greatest foundations for the club.”
Griffith John, 78, Liverpool
“Douglas Bader, the flying ace [from World War II]. He flew a plane with no legs. How many people do you know that can do that?”
Jess Morris, 24, Liverpool
“Cheryl Cole. She’s funny, she’s rich and she’s flawless.”
Andy Crown, 42, Liverpool
“John Lennon. I don’t know why really but he’s from here and he made something of himself, didn’t he?”
Terri Taylor, 17, Liverpool
“Johnny Depp. He’s different, weird and he doesn’t really care about what people think of him.”
Zainab Elbadawi, 22, Liverpool
“Angelina Jolie. She’s done loads of charity work, she’s a mother and she’s stunning.”
Muriel Varty, 75, Washington, Tyne and Wear
“Paul O’Grady. He’s a wonderful man, he’s friendly with people and he loves animals. I actually came to Birkenhead to see where he was from.”
Mike Noble, 18, London
“Jamie Cullum. I’m a musician too, and I really like all of his music. I just think the way he does stuff is really cool.”
Samantha Drobig, 29, Devon
“Celine Dion. I’m obsessed with Titanic really and from then on I just really loved her music.”
Gail Smith, 57, Wirral
“Leonardo da Vinci. He was a good guy – and he was a scientist as well. I bet he was hell to live with though.”
Mohammed Khan, 19, Bolton
“Al Pacino. He’s Scarface, isn’t he? He made an awesome movie.”
Tina Tang, 20, Suzhou, China
“Leslie Cheung. He’s a singer from Hong Kong. I like his songs, he’s really hard working and he’s friendly to his fans.”
Finn Kelly, 17, Liverpool
“Jimi Hendrix. He is one of the best guitarists. A lot of the songs my band cover are his. He is an inspiration.”
Betty Jones, 17, Liverpool
“Barack Obama. He’s boss. He was the first black president and he’s alright looking. Just the way he is, he’s quite laid back.”
Ashleigh Francis, 18, Liverpool
“Ian Somerhalder. He’s an actor; he has his own foundation to care for animals. He cleaned up California beach. He’s caring and he’s gorgeous.”
Rachel Dempster, 19, Northern Ireland
“Jessie J because she shaved all her hair off for charity.”
Carl Coxon, 53, Manchester
“Muhammad Ali because he was a superhuman athlete but also he stood up for what he believed in regarding not going to the Vietnam war.”
John Edwards, 66, Liverpool
“Fred Dibnah [TV presenter]. He wouldn’t blab on. If he was telling you what anything was he’d tell you in non-technical terms. He was born a hundred years too late.”
Terry Clarke, 55, Liverpool
“Tommy Lee Jones. It’s just his acting skills, how he comes across in different roles. My favourite film of his is Men in Black.”
Ita Quinlan-Davies, 58, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela. I think he has done a hell of a lot for his country. He’s a good natured person. He’s setting a good example to the public, not just for his own country. Even people here look up to him.”
Catherine Williams, 50, Liverpool
“David Attenborough. He’s just highlighting to the general public all the wildlife. He’s just so out there, he’s 80-plus and still going. I’d like to have him to dinner.”
Bernadette Blundell, 58, Liverpool
“I like The Beatles. I like their music. My cousin, Maureen Cox was married to Ringo Starr.”
Anne Foulkes, 42, Wirral
“Bear Grylls He’s gorgeous isn’t he? He looks good in black shorts. Also he’s chief scout. I’m really into the outdoors.”
Nick Adamson, 30, Liverpool
“Jimi Hendrix. It’s just the music. He combined virtuoso guitar skills with the music writing ability. No-one’s come close.”
Roy Coulter, 59, Northern Ireland
“Winston Churchill because he was courageous, bold and stuck to what he believed in.”
Josh Hilton, 20, Wavertree
“Tim Berners-Lee [creator of the World Wide Web] because he invented the internet and not everyone knows who he is. That shows you don’t have to be famous to change the world.”
Jennifer Brown, 58, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela, as he stuck to what he believed in and fought for what he believed in. He was so graceful when let out of prison, to be forgiving instead of full of hatred. He could have made South Africa into a bad country but he didn’t, he united them.”
Nick Owens, 31, Liverpool
“Christopher Hitchens. He was a great academic and a great public speaker.”
David Miles, 22, Aintree
“Jimi Hendrix as I’m a guitarist. His music influences my music. He was revolutionary in his style and for the short time he played for.”
Tom Farrell, 22, St Helens
“Freddie Mercury because of what he did for society not just for music. Before him homosexuality was seen as bad and that’s a negative view.”
Angela Edwards, 63, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela. He made such a big mark on the world. He’s done so much, everything about him is good and he never let his country down.”
Michelle Thomas, 33, North Wales
“Alanis Morissette. She’s a really independent woman. Her music speaks volumes and I always looked up to her as an independent person myself.”
Luke Hyland, 17, Liverpool
“Grant Holt [professional footballer]. He’s a legend and I look up to him when I play football; he’s built like a sausage roll.”
Alex Cottrell, 22, Portsmouth
“Alan Watts [philosopher]. His outlook on life is the absolute ideal. I’ve listened to a lot of his speeches about being mindful in a really disorientating world.”
Mike Faulkner, 53, Liverpool
“Simon Wiesenthal [Nazi hunter]. He lived through the holocaust and then went to hunt down everyone responsible. I admired him for not giving up.”
David Huddleston, 27, Childwall
“Russell Brand because he’s clever, funny and can captivate and audience. I like his stance on quite a lot of policies, especially on drugs. I like a lot of his spin off shows as well.”
David Burke, 30, China Town, Liverpool
“Mike Tyson because he’s a great boxer and he inspired me when I was doing a bit of boxing.”
Jimmy Smith, 29, Aigburth
“Richard Branson. He started with nothing and now he’s got everything.”
Lee Riozzi, 42, Aigburth
“Angelina Jolie – she’s good with guns.”
Lynn Bateman, 75, Liverpool
“Marie Stopes [contraception activist]. She stood up for the rights of women. There are clinics named after her now. She helped poor Victorian women.”
Michael Harrison, 17, Toxteth
“My favourite person is Beyonce, she’s just fab. I love her voice, she doesn’t need auto tune. I went to see her in the Echo Arena in November 2011. I just love her.”
Zakk Young, 17, Halewood
“Jim Carrey. He’s hilarious, he has great facial expression. As an actor he inspires me. I love his films.”
Chris Mason, 56, Warrington
“Phil Collins. His music is inspiring. I saw him in Manchester and it was absolutely brilliant. He told the audience not to buy the merchandise, instead put their money into the Prince’s Trust and he’d donate half of what he made tonight.”
Terry Birtall, 71, West Kirby, Wirral
“Frederick Sewards Trueman. He was the greatest fast bowler ever to play cricket for England and Yorkshire. He was the first to bowl 300 wickets internationally.”
Paula Birtall, 39, Windsor
“Marilyn Monroe, she’s amazing. She was iconic.”
Stacey Doran, 33, St. Helens
“Corporal Andy Reid, he’s been through a lot. He lost three limbs but he still does a lot for charity. He’s inspirational to me.”
Andrew Mahr, 35, Switzerland
“Scott Jurek. He’s a vegan ultra-marathon runner. He had a hard upbringing and he became the world’s best.”
Margo Schiff, 36, Switzerland
“Madonna. She does what she wants and she’s good at what she does.”
Benjamin Francis Cassidy, 31, Blackpool
“Mahatma Gandhi. He stood up for what he believed in and he was a pacifist.”
Chloe Lee, 18, Norfolk
“David Canter. He is a psychologist. I admire him he has achieved a lot in his life, and helped a lot of people.”
Thomas Thornton, 21, Wirral
“Eric Thomas. He’s a renowned motivational speaker. I have his poster. He makes it real for me. Relatable, applicable in a positive way. He’s a role model.”
Amy Thornalley, 18, Widnes
“Liam Payne, despite being bullied all his life he is one of the biggest pop stars ever.”
Bill King, 58, Sheffield
“Winston Churchill. For that generation he was inspiring, a catalyst of how we live now.”
Brian Johnson, 55, Liverpool
“Kenny Dalglish. Best all-time player, I admire him as a man and as a character. He is just a great person.”
Matthias Dax, 35, Anfield
“Gene Roddenberry [creator of Star Trek]. Mainly because he lived in the in the 1960s when there was lots of racial prejudice, in a purely male dominated society. It didn’t matter to him about race or culture. To him it didn’t matter where you came from, we are all humans. He envisioned a better future where we are all free to live how we want.”
Andrew Johnson, 45, Huyton
“John Lennon, for the way he brought music to the city. His image is worldwide and he stood for peace.”
Harry Ari, 24, Kurdistan
“Tupac Shakur. He’s a great guy, the way he made his music, no one knows how he did it. He was very proud and everybody still loves him.”
Sandra Kenyon, 56, Northwich
“Nelson Mandela. He did so much for his people and suffered a lot for them.”
Harold Gregory, 74, Liverpool
“Billy Liddell, ‘The Flying Scotsman’. He was the best. He played for Liverpool on the wing and centre forward. He only ever played part time.”
Simon Edge, 46, Oxford
“Jimmy Kinnon – I admire him. He started Narcotics Anonymous 60 years ago for addicts to get clean. We are celebrating 60 years today of NA.”
Brian Bourne, 32, London
“The two women from the Woolwich attack [Amanda and Gemini Donnelly]. They put themselves at risk for him [Lee Rigby] and comforted him, as everyone else just stood there.”
Denise Midwood, 64, Sheffield
“Nelson Mandela because he campaigned for equal rights for all races and wanted everyone to get on with each other.”
Zivile Steponavicictus, 17, Liverpool
“Selena Gomez because she is really creative and she is a good Disney role model.”
Sarah Gould, 36, Liverpool
“Malala Yousafzari [education campaigner]. I wouldn’t aspire to a celebrity or anything like that. I watched her on Pride of Britain and she was really brave.”
Kajetan Raniszwski, 16, Poland
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I am a big fan him he is quite funny rich and successful.”
Kieran Williams, 25, Brighton-Le-Sands
“Bob Marley – I like his songs and his lyrics.”
Jason Ashcroft, 19, Liverpool
“Avenged Sevenfold [rock band]. I just listen to their music because it puts me in a good mood and to pass the time.”
Joanne Durband, 40, Liverpool
“Jeremy Kyle because I know my life will never be as bad as the people he deals with.”
Manuel Canapi, 21, Philippines
“Steven Gerrard. I think he is good and I admire the money and success.”
Jessica Furnedge, 17, Liverpool
“Naomi Campbell. I just think she’s gorgeous and she has redeemed herself and put herself back in her place.”
Carol Porch, 69, Liverpool
“Theresa May. She used to be my MP and she is very good. The women are doing better than the men at the moment, the men are very self-serving. “
Stuart Robinson, 32, Litherland
“Chris Hemsworth[Thor actor]. He’s just got that look and appearance. He looks like the god of thunder and to look like that as a human is quite impressive. He’s the man.”
Sam Buckley, 20, Liverpool
“David Beckham because he is a beautiful man, he is ‘wedged’ and he gives money to charity.”
Dianne Grogan, 54, Sheffield
“Marie Stopes. She invented birth control and gave women the right to choose.”
Wendy Davies, 54, Romsey
“Isambard Kingdom Brunel., An engineer who built some wonderful bridges in the UK and because of him the industrial revolution made cities like Liverpool exist.”
Barbara Young, 55, Jersey
“B.K.S Iyengar, who inspired so many people to do yoga and extend their life physically and mentally.”
Gregory Kearns, 18, St Albans
“Paul Merton. He’s a very quick thinker and the first comedian I was aware of as a child.”
Stevie Whittaker, 19, Liverpool
“Kanye West. I just love him because he keeps it real. Everything he does is boss.”
Dylan Newport, 19, Liverpool
“Jedward. Just where they come from and where they are now is very inspiring.”
Johnny Broadstock, 19, Blackpool
“The Rock, Dwayne Johnson. He’s a hard worker and a determined person.”
Becky McDermott, 20, Liverpool
“Stephen Fry. He’s the most intelligent man ever. I love him. He would be on my dinner party list.”
Erin Kelly, 17, Liverpool
“Beyonce. She’s just amazing. She can sing, dance and act and she’s respectable. She’s a triple threat.”
Jordan Parry, 18, Liverpool
“Lady Gaga. I think she’s vocally talented and a brilliant performer. She’s the definition of a great performer, unlike Rihanna.”
Anastasia Gibson, 16, Liverpool
“Barbra Streisand. Because she’s perfect. Her voice is so emotional when she sings.”
Charlie Matthews, 16, Liverpool
“Justin Bieber. I’m obsessed. I’ve met him twice.”
James Whitehouse, 17, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard, because I love football and he plays for my team.”
Callum Mclean, 20, Runcorn
“Michael Howcroft, he’s a theatre director. I admire his approach to directing a play from a script. He acts as if there’s no audience so there is no forced acting, making it a more realistic scene. I’m working with him on a play for New Year.”
Harry Milestone, 71, Isle of Man
“Mike Hail, a motorcycle racer. He’s someone I have always respected when I was in school in the 60s. I used to live by the TT course in the Isle of Man and watch him race.”
Steve Elliot, 55, Wirral
“Elvis Presley because he changed rock and roll and everyone liked him. I think he was a genius.”
Brian Morrison, 25, Port Glasgow
“Henrik Larsson, because he’s one of the best footballers and he’s very loyal as he stayed with Celtic, even when he had the option to leave for bigger teams.”
Rory Jones, 17, Crosby
“Wesley Snipes, he’s just a cool guy and I want to be like him when I grow up. I think he’s a good actor too.”
Thomas Jones, 16, Birkenhead
“Frank Sinatra, because he’s classy and self-made.”
Lewis Helim, 17, Liverpool
“Jermain Defoe, he plays for Tottenham. I support the team and I’ve loved him since I was a child.”
Jamie Waring, 56, Liverpool
“Van Morrison. He’s a wonderful songwriter and singer. I’ve enjoyed his music for over 40 years.”
Robert Henson, 26, Birmingham
“Jose Mourinho. Even though I don’t support Chelsea, he puts his family life before his professional career and I admire how he keeps his personal life separate from football.”
Elizabeth Guy, 19, Liverpool
“Beyonce. I’ve admired her since I was young and want to be like her because shes so confident, I like her old stuff from when she was in Destiny’s Child but my favourite song is Halo.”
Callum Toohew, 17, Liverpool
“Edwin Delarosa, a BMX professional biker. I want to be like him when I grow up. He doesn’t pay for anything because he gets sponsors, so I want to get free shoes and stuff.”
Ollie Ford, 21, Liverpool
“Tupac Shakur because he’s good. He has good meaning behind his lyrics.”
Alisa Dallainger, 70, Wirral
“Mother Teresa. For a woman of that age to have helped so many is amazing. She could have sat back and done nothing the last years of her life, but she chose not to.”
Becki Mcdierm, 20, Liverpool
“Stephen Fry, because he’s a really intelligent person and he’s so funny. He’s really cool.”
Dawn McOwen, 48, Wirral
“Nelson Mandela. He was so brave to stand up for what he believes in. He championed people’s rights and he’s very admirable.”
Joan Burnett, 47, Toxteth
“Gee Walker. Her son was murdered for being black and she set up an anti-hate campaign against discrimination.”
Kai Anderson, 46, Liverpool
“Hugo Chavez. He redistributed wealth in Venezuela and made a difference in the world.”
Jennifer Bray, 19, Liverpool
“Beyoncé, because I like what she represents. I’ve seen her live and she was really good. Girl power!”
Tom Churchill, 20, Hull
“Jarvis Cocker. He is from Sheffield which isn’t far from where I live. I’ve met him at a book signing in Hull, he’s a funny guy.”
Lauren Flemming, 18, Liverpool
“Charles Dickens, because his writing is so beautiful. People think he is very narrative, but I think his work is still relatable today.”
Joe Yates, 27, London
“John Pilger. He writes for people who don’t have the capacity to stand up for themselves.”
Alice Randenburger, 57, Germany
“Nelson Mandela. He’s a very impatient man and I like that. He’s not your average ‘goodie goodie’ hero.”
Gerry Thorpe, 52, Liverpool
“I suppose someone like President Obama. He’s achieved so much, he’s a very high achiever. He’s come from an ethnic minority background and risen above the odds.”
Caz Moss, 29, Cheshire
“Mary Portas . I just think everything she stands for is very admirable.”
Ellie Sisson, 17, Liverpool
“Helena Bonham Carter, she’s a great actress. I loved her in Harry Potter. I also admire the way she looks.”
Michael Dickaty, 24, The Wirral
“Michael Schumacher. He owns the most Formula 1 titles, I can’t remember how many but it’s a lot, more than the rest!”
Lauren Pulford, 19, Birkenhead
“Simon Neal because he’s in my favourite band; Biffy Clyro. He’s my favourite member. I think he’s really talented and an inspiration.”
James Tomlinson, 20, Birmingham
“Jack Kerouac [author]. All of his books are about exploration, exploring the world or exploring himself. I find that really interesting.”
Stuart Higgs, 28, Leicester
“Mahatma Gandhi because he liberated India. He put his people before himself, he’s selfless. Basically, anybody who puts themselves second and puts the interest of other people first.”
Lesley Taker, 26, Liverpool
“Angela Carter [writer]. Basically she single-handedly reinvented a whole new genre and for changing the face of feminism.”
Nathan Evans, 22, Aintree
“Alan Sugar because he’s so successful. I went to university to do business but I left. I should have stuck at it to be like him.”
Steve Leahy, 63, Liverpool
“Roger Hunt, he was brilliant. He played in the World Cup in 1966. When I was a kid, younger than you, he was my hero and he still is today.”
John Stitt, 75, Liverpool
“Bill Shankly, he was a man of the people. There’s no airs and graces with him. He used to stand in the Kop.”
Kim Ardon, 60, Southport
“John Lennon, I love his music, I love the Beatles. I think he’s brilliant and he was cut down in his prime.”
Molly Bradford, 17, Walton
“Marilyn Monroe, I reckon she’s a proper inspiration…. after what she went through, the depression and stuff.”
Ellie Connolly, 17, Anfield
“Kurt Cobain, he went through a lot. He was just dead inspirational, the way he pulled through, the way he was addicted to drugs and stuff. I know he died but he left a proper memory.”
Rachael Obyrne, 24, Liverpool
“I think Emmeline Pankhurst, she kick started the [feminist] revolution. I think she was this huge figure who started to change things for women, especially in the western world.”
Abby Etoe, 37, Southampton
“My style icon was always Victoria Beckham. From being a really crap singer she has really made something out of herself.”
Tony Harrison, 59, Manchester
“Joe Bonamassa. He’s a blues guitarist. I’m into the blues myself; I play in a blues band. He’s the best modern blues guitarist I know.”
Andrew Pearce, 76, Liverpool
“Michael Heseltine. He’s the best political friend Liverpool has ever had; he was the minister for Liverpool, setting up the Heseltine Institute. London is trying to do us down all the time and he is trying to support the city.”
Charlie Pearson, 20, Liverpool
“Elvis Presley. His music just inspires a lot of feelings.”
Phil Greaves, 28, Wirral
“David Beckham mainly because of the free-kick he scored against Greece. I literally jumped about, I was so thrilled.”
Jessica Doyle, 17, Fazakerley
“Ed Sheeran because he’s so fit, I’ve got a fetish for gingers. I love him he’s gorgeous and I love all his songs they’re so cute.”
Bernadette Biddulph, 60, Liverpool
“Mother Teresa, she helped the poor and she didn’t care who they were, she still helped them.”
Evelyn Glover, 48, Wirral
“Kitty Wilkinson because she saved a lot of poor people from dying. She was the first female statue and was immortalised in St. George’s Hall and Liverpool Cathedral and she was also an Irish immigrant.”
Christina Gwilliam, 52, Blackpool
“Tom Welling, he acted as Superman in Supernatural. He’s a superhero and I love him because he is good looking.”
Darren Stone, 32, London
“Jimi Hendrix, because he is a black man who struggled and his dad didn’t like him. He then came to the UK and we turned him into a star.”
Carol Whittman, 67, Liverpool
“Cliff Richard, when I was a teenager I used to admire him and thought he was good looking.”
Dave Woodworth, 61, Bern-on-Trent
“The Beatles, we grew up with them and we like their music.”
Kath Baldman, 87, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard because I support Liverpool.”
Emma White, 19, Newcastle
“Ian Somerhalder, he’s proper hot in Vampire Diaries which I’m addicted to.”
Anne Livell, North Wales
“Mary Berry [Great British Bake off], I love her show. She makes it quite straightforward. I do quite a lot of baking myself.”
George Anthony, Liverpool
“I admire people who have overcome personal tragedy, like Nelson Mandela. People with principles and who stand up when times get tough.”
Julie Rodgers, 32, Liverpool
“I admire Michael Buble because his music is different to all the other rubbish you hear nowadays. Oh, and he’s gorgeous too.”
Hannah Adam, 18, Preston
“Well obviously I am Muslim; it would have to be the Prophet Muhammad.”
Brian Metcalfe, 56, Liverpool
“Kenny Dalglish, what he accomplished for Liverpool both as a player and a manager is phenomenal. He won us just about everything.”
Brian Banks, 70, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela, he was in prison for so long and he always kept the faith. I admire the way he got things done in a peaceful manner.”
BK Polachowski, Bradford
“Primo Levi, he bridged the gap between history and literature proving the superiority of science.”
Sam Green, 18, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard, he is an inspirational figure who has carried us for years, and he led us to the top of European football, like in 2005 in the UEFA Champions League final.”
Pete Boyle, 18, Manchester
“Robert Downey Jr, I like the way he deals with fans off of the set. He has been in some great films like the Iron Man films and I think he’s a very good actor.”
Rebekah Massey, 18, Manchester
“I think Cherry Healey has to be one of my biggest idols, as she puts herself in difficult situations and experiences to research for documentaries. She opens viewers’ eyes to some taboo subjects and helps us all to understand them.”
Vincent Davies,72, Liverpool
“Nelson Mandela because he’s been through such a lot of
hardship and he’s done a lot of good. He’s not against the people who put him
away, he’s forgiven them.”
Alan Evans, 46, Liverpool
“Gary Numan because he’s the best thing to happen to music
ever. Not like all this Beatles stuff they pedal around here.”
Nicola Adams, 39, Liverpool
“Richard Branson because he’s done a lot of things. He was
diagnosed with dyslexia and he has overcome that, he’s got no formal
qualifications and he’s still made it.”
Taali Creed, 23, Wirral
“Lord Byron, his books are amazing, its pure romanticism.”
Seun Odukogbe, 22, London
“Beyonce, I think she’s a very good role model and she is a woman who has lots of control over herself and her image. She sends positive messages to young people.”
Steve Abbott, 57, Shrewsbury
“Julian Assange because I admire his stand against all the inequities of life.”
Megan Dumphries, 27, London
“Florence Nightingale because I’ve just graduated with a nursing degree. She influenced nursing a lot even now years later her approach to nursing is still talked about.”
Daniel Rice, 30, London
“Winston Churchill because he rose to the challenge at the time he needed too. He was good at public speaking and very inspirational.”
Lee Hanlin, 22, China
“Yao Ming, he’s the greatest Chinese basketball player in the NBA. He was first Chinese person to be picked first in the NBA draft. He’s very inspirational for Chinese people.”
Tom Heron, 18,Liverpool
“Bruce Lee because of his demeanour and the way he held himself. The way he came from a family which didn’t have much and achieved world recognition.”
Vikki Lloyd, 43, Liverpool
“Liam Neeson because he’s an older actor but he is still a leading role in many Hollywood films, it shows that age doesn’t matter.”
Georgia Clarke, 16, Huyton
“Beyoncé, she’s really hard-working and never gives up. She was just fab.”
Luke Halls, 18, Liverpool
“Jordan Gatesmith, he’s a musician, I’m a musician too. His style, vocals and guitar are very interesting and fun.”
Guy Nicholls, 19, Cambridge
“I really admire Roger Federer. I think he’s amazing, he manages to achieve so much and still have dignity and style.”
Steph Peet, 18, South Africa
“Sarah Kane, she’s a playwright. I think her style of writing is similar to my own.”
Abbey Priestley, 18, Liverpool
“Kendall Jenner because she does what she wants to do, not what anyone else tells her to do. She does her own thing.”
Jordan Marshall, 21, Cumbria
“Isaac Newton. I really admire his improvements to engineering and science. I have an interest in science; I admire his improvements to the world we live in.”
Jane Davidson, 46, East Lancashire
“Kate O’Brien, an Irish novelist. I’m doing my PhD on her. I admire her for who she is, a woman in the 1930s fighting against a patriarchal society.”
David Parkinson, 68, North Wales
“Laurence Olivier, I’m really into acting and the theatre so I really admire his work.”
Michael Mair, 36, Glasgow
“Professor Wes Sharrock, my PhD supervisor in Manchester. He’s great, nice and intelligent; he has lots of time for people and his family. He’s very level-headed.”
Bill Paxton, 48, Glasgow
“Annie Lennox, for one, her music but not just that she does so much stuff for human advocacy. She does a lot for HIV charities and for Africa.”
Emily Boulton, 19, Stoke
“Kim Kardashian because she is quite a good, successful businesswoman. Some people don’t understand why she’s famous but I think if you’ve worked hard for it you’ve earned it.”
Danielle Sheehan, 19, London
“Will Smith because of his charitable nature. Apparently instead of giving actual money he just drops off truckloads of things, like TVs and clothes. I think he’s real talented too, singing and acting. I wish he was my dad.”
Joshua London, 21, Liverpool
“Bill Shankly. He built the best football club on the planet.”
Amber Ynee, 16, Liverpool
“Audrey Hepburn. I like her fashion and style.”
Beth Evans, 16, Liverpool
“Bob Marley. I find him inspirational, his music and chilled-out style.”
Kevin Moore, 47, Warrington
“Duncan Ferguson because he was centre forward for Everton. I never followed him when he played in Scotland, only when he moved to Everton.”
Chris Donell, Liverpool
“Mary Seacole. She was a nurse during the Crimean War who did not receive any recognition for her work, and I’m a nurse.”
Steve Donell, 53, Belfast
“Jim Lovell because he so nearly got to the moon but didn’t quite make it. He was still successful following this, well at least in my eyes.”
Roger Appleton, 55, Liverpool
“John Fogerty, he’s been my favourite musician since I was 12 and his music has always spoken to me, you know?”
Hannah Harrison, 22, Liverpool
“Kate Moss. She’s so glamorous with a boss figure. She is gorgeous and rich.”
Lizzie Jackson, 19, Ormskirk
“Katie Price is alright. She’s got a good business head on her. I like reading her books but I don’t particularly like her. Like she’s a decent role model for some girls but isn’t an angel or anything like that.”
Jude Haselden, 63, Warrington
“Malala [Yousafzai], the girl who got shot in Pakistan. I just think she’s tremendous with a huge amount of courage. Her maturity level is so high and I admire her bravery in moving to a new country.”
Francis Morgan, 76, Huyton
“Muhammad Ali because of what he has done in his life, he has achieved so much and come from so little.”
Georgia Nichols, 22, Runcorn
“Florence Nightingale, I’m a nurse and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. I mean, she has pioneered nursing.”
Sue Campbell, 59, Wirral
“Harley Lane, that gorgeous little boy on Pride of Britain. He is absolutely amazing and a true inspiration.”
Bet Ford, 69, Southport
“Bob Dylan, I like his music. What he said meant something and in the 60s it was all relevant. It made me a better person.”
Ryan Hurst, 17, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard, he is God. He is a great inspiration for young lads and other footballers trying to make it.”
Abbie Kneen, 17, Crosby
“Beyonce, she’s not only a good singer but a successful businesswoman as well. I’ve always wanted to be a singer so she’s definitely someone to look up to.”
Anthony Doyle, 20, West Derby
“Jamie Carragher, he’s a Scouser. He’s a real local hero and a great role model.”
Michael Foster, 21, Huyton
“Steven Gerrard, he’s from Huyton and so am I. He’s an inspiration and it makes you proud to know that you are from the same area as someone so talented.”
Jack McKinley, 18, Liverpool
“Paul Hollywood, he’s a very manly man. I love to cook and I get a lot of my tips from him. He’s living proof that not all good bakers are female.”
Julie Coughlin, 53, Crosby
“Stevie Wonder, he is very passionate about his music. He hasn’t let his disability get in the way of what he wants.”
Gordon Warner 32, Liverpool
“Derren Brown. I’m a magician myself, I spent three and a half years studying his work because he is a master of his trade and I have been lucky enough to meet him. He even made time to watch one of my own card tricks!”
Lucy Skidmore 18, Middlesbrough
“Angelina Jolie due to the fact she has been involved in charity work which is a good thing to do. I have been inspired to do it myself because of her.”
Ben Roberts 48, Liverpool
“Robbie Fowler. He is a normal guy who managed to make it, also the fact that he is a local kid makes him a role model. The stories of him driving journalists home after interviews show how nice he is.”
Chris Goodfellow 52, Liverpool
“Tanni Grey-Thompson because of how much she has achieved despite her disability. You can’t even see her disability when you watch her, you just see Tanni.”
Dave Houghton 27, Liverpool
“Slash due to the fact he inspired me to start playing the guitar. His album is just fantastic, he has produced albums which don’t have a bad song on it.’’
Danny Murphy 73, Dingle
“Muhammad Ali because he was a great character who as a person was funny and clever, he was also a great boxer.”
Lillian Murphy 77, Dingle
“Julio Iglesias because of how great his music is but at the same time it is very unusual and different. You’d have to listen to him! I know he also helped his son in becoming a good singer as well.”
Ben Reed 28, Elsberry
“Ewan McGregor as he influenced me to get a motorcycle to start off with. He also seems to only be in the papers for the right reasons. The amount of charity work he does is also good.”
Liam Callery 29, St Helens
“Robbie Fowler because he has to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, maybe second to Rushy! He’s smart, intelligent and managed to make a lot of money outside of football as well as in it and is definitely someone to look up to.”
Gerrard Brennc 48, Liverpool
“Kenny Dalglish because I like football and the guy is a great character as he never gives up and did a lot for Liverpool and every club he was at.”
Liz Lacey, 58, Liverpool
“When I was 17 I saw David Bowie for the first time at the Empire. This started me off on my theatrical career and I started to do hair and make-up backstage. Then I moved onto to on stage work like cabaret, burlesque and all sorts of wacky stuff.”
Stephen Conroy, 51, Glasgow
“Billy McNeill is my hero. He was the captain of Celtic and he captained them when they were the first British and non-Latin team to win the European cup in 1967. To this day, he is still an ambassador for them.”
Alice Conroy, 50, Glasgow
“Donny Osmond. He’s gorgeous! I saw him at the Edinburgh Castle and I travelled down to Newcastle to see him again. I’ve seen him loads of times.”
Ryan Torley, 18, Liverpool
“Bear Grylls. This is because he’s the man! He’s got skill and talent in what he does and he’s willing to share it with everyone. He’s very knowledgeable and his show is really tense, entertaining and exciting.”
Ashley Caterer, 19, Wavertree
“Jeremy Clarkson because he’s funny and entertaining. He’s a comedic genius but he some gets into trouble because he’s honest and tells it like it is. I love top gear and I’m a fan of anything he does because I just love his voice! It’s like David Attenborough.”
Roberta Baxedale, 27, Bootle
“You may not have heard of her but my hero is Catherine de’Medici. She was a French Queen and was an amazing one. She did have a habit of poisoning people she didn’t like, an example is families trying to gain power and she didn’t like it.”
Emily Renture, 17, Liverpool
“Amy Winehouse is my hero because she’s a real role model and inspiration. I really look up to her and her music is amazing. She could sing anything and her writing was good too. I was so sad when she died.”
Asia Shariff 16, Highton
“I’d pick Beyoncé because hasn’t prostituted herself or changed herself for the industry. Beyoncé has stayed true to herself. She represents real women, she has curves and isn’t too skinny.”
Melissa Kelly, 20, Wirral
“Jessica Burciaga, because she’s gorgeous and she’s got a dead nice figure. She’s also done very well for herself going from ex-Playboy model to having her own clothing brand called ‘Sailor and Saint’.”
Paul Dobson, 56, Aberdeen
“William Wallace because was a nobody who ended up as a loyal protector of Scotland. It’s some achievement for someone who many considered an uneducated man to do what he achieved.”
Amber McGill, 16, Liverpool
“Heath Ledger because he’s a great actor and I would really like to be an actress too so he’s someone I look up to. He’s brilliant but so it’s so sad that he died.”
Jim Bowness, 74, Fazakerley
“Anyone fighting in the Falklands war, they looked after us but have not had many thanks for it.”
Dorothy Bowness, 72, Fazakerley
“Anyone who is fighting in Iraq, I could pick a dozen celebrities and they wouldn’t match one in the war.”
Zoe Summers, 16, Southport
“Gok Wan, he had pretty much nothing and he built himself up, look at him now.”
Laura Reinilger, 18, Southport
“Hayley Williams, she’s a great singer and she is sick on acoustic, plus she is really hot.”
Simon Ridgeway, 18, Rainford
“Steven Gerrard, because he is hard in a tackle, and has always been a great captain for Liverpool.”
Isa irgin, 38, Istanbul
“Lionel Messi, best football player in the world. I love football, that’s why I came to Liverpool, for the football, but I support Galatasaray.”
Holly Malcolm, 19, West Derby
“Charlotte from Geordie Shore, she always makes me laugh, especially when she wees herself.”
Jennie Griffiths, 25, Roby
“I like Chris Evans, Captain America is my favourite film, but I like his body more.”
Jamie McDonald, 26, Roby
“Dixie Dean, just an Everton legend, true idol for any blue.”
Maria Fowler, 78, Liverpool
“Rock Hudson, he was tall, dark and handsome.”
Roy Howeth, 55, Liverpool
“Winston Churchill, he did his best, he was bad at school had guts and still succeeded.”
Josh Drano, 24, Prescot
“Swedish House Mafia, they started from nothing, and now they are the biggest DJ trio in the world, especially Steve Angelo because he has got a beard. I am going to be partying to these tonight.”
Graham Walters, 39, Aigburth
“Bruce Springsteen. He inspired me to get involved in music. He is also one of the people I would invite to my fantasy dinner party.”
Judith Pegrum, 43, Garston
“Steve Cram. He was an ambassador for young athletes, the way Steven Gerrard is now.”
Dorothy Ball, 75, Southport
“John Smith. He is a restaurant owner in Southport. He’s a very successful entrepreneur and a good role model for other business owners.”
Taylors Weeks, 18, Darlington
“David Beckham. That H&M advert was great, you could watch it all day.”
Tom Flaherty, 19, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard, because he picks the team up as well as being an amazing role model for kids and other potential athletes.”
Gemma Sands, 23, Wirral
“Lady Gaga. She is a strong icon for young people and also those struggling with their sexuality.”
Nicola Broadbent, 19, Chester
“Van Gogh because as an art student myself I wish I had the flair and passion for the subject that he had.”
Abbi Irons, 18, Widnes
“David Gemmell, he was the first fantasy author I started to look at and he got me into reading.”
Rob Deacon, 22, Stoke
“Noel Gallagher – he’s a working class hero.”
Joe Jones, 21, Stoke
“Peter Thorne was my childhood hero, everyone wanted to be him when we played on the park.”
Anna Kokkinozis, 34, Liverpool
“Margaret Thatcher – she’s made a lot of people in Liverpool unhappy and I don’t know if I agree with her views on privatisation, but you have to admire someone with the courage to stand up for what she thought was right for the country.”
Leo May, 21, Liverpool
“Elon Musk, he’s a professional engineer and he’s the founder of Pay Pal. He’s a brilliant engineer and made space flight better and cheaper. His company SpaceX is an inspiration.”
Nicola Watson, 22, Hull
“Kate Middleton because she does a lot of charity work and she’s good for Britain. She’s an inspiration and I’d like to meet her one day.”
Dan Hu, 24, Birmingham
“Cristiano Ronaldo has worked hard to get where he is and he’s the best in his field.”
Ashley Hutton, 18, Birkenhead
“My army sergeant is my hero because he basically brought me up. He got shot and recovered which inspired me.”
Matthew Mulligan, 22, Belfast
“I like David Attenborough because he’s pretty good at what he does and is a very good educator and I admire that.”
Claire O’Neill, 26, Liverpool
“Melissa Joan Hart, the former actress who played Sabrina. She’s a working mum of three and still has time to take the kids to football. She’s an inspiration, if she can do it anyone can.”
Ines Karstedt, 31, Germany
“German chancellor Angela Merkel because she achieved so much, She is the first female and has won her third election.”
Chris Jones, 19, Bolton
“It’s got to be David Beckham because I’ve liked football and sport all my life and he’s a good role model to kids. I looked up to him when I was younger.”
Val Hoyles, 64, Chorley
“Richard Branson is my hero because of what he does and who he is, he’s an all-round good guy.”
Henry Sheldon, 18, Liverpool
“Jimi Hendrix because he was my inspiration when I was younger to play guitar and I wish he was still alive.”
Matthew Janvier, 18, Liverpool
“Ryan Reynolds because I want to be an actor.”
Cassie O’Toole, 18, Liverpool
“Stephen Fry because he’s clever and gay, nobody judges him for it.”
Pat Carvell, Wirral
“Paul O’Grady he’s a class act. He’s down to earth, funny and working class.”
Irene O’Brian, 73, Liverpool
“Ellen Hughes she gets on with life despite problems and that she’s always got something fun to say.”
David Grayson, 30, Liverpool
“Kenny Dalglish because after Hillsborough he picked the city up. I think he’s a hero, he came to my mates funeral and sat with us.”
Andy Rouke, 49, Liverpool
“Marc Bolan he’s always appealed to me and he is the ultimate rock star.”
Daniel Beech, 21, Liverpool
“Dave Grohl because I’m a drummer and he’s the pinnacle.”
Jenny McGrath, 20, Liverpool
“Corey Taylor because he’s beautiful, he looks good with or without a mask.”
John London, 71, Liverpool
“John Frank he won me a few ‘bob’. He was a Champion Jockey.”
Peter Whitfield, 28, Hereford
“John Terry because he is the best centre back to have played and he’s always willing to put his body on the line for the team.”
Mel McKay, 19, Liverpool
“Miley Cyrus because I love her songs, she should stop trying to act so sexy.”
Holly Jacobs, 23, Liverpool
“Susan Boyle because despite how she looks and how she got judged. She turned out to be a great singer.”
Paul Bennett, 39, Liverpool
“Muhammad Ali. I really admire him as a boxer, as I’m very into boxing and he did a lot for civil rights and how he stood against the Vietnam war.”
Taslin Ali, 19, Wirral
“David Cameron. I am really into politics and as I have matured I have realised I support the Conservatives policies. The Conservatives have a history in England wouldn’t be the same without them.”
Matthew Kelly, 26, Southport
“Andy Warhol. I am an artist so he really inspires what I do, I enjoy his work and for me he really changed art.”
Dustin Duncan, 23, Kentucky
“Senator Bernie Sanders. because we share similar political views, and I admire that he is not afraid to share them even though everyone does not agree with them.”
Liam Williams, 29, Liverpool
“Bob Dylan. Some of his lyrics are beautiful, they speak to me, even though he is a terrible singer.”
Derek Pinney, 40, Liverpool
“Martin Luther King. He stood up for black people at the time and wasn’t afraid to put his life in danger for what he believes.”
Joseph Carroll, 22, Liverpool
“Bayard Rustin. He worked with Martin Luther King and organised the March on Washington, he also did a lot of work for civil rights and gay rights. He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.”
Michael Connor, 30, Liverpool
“John Lennon. I like him for his talent, his poetic lyrics and amazing with language. And he is not as poor as he made out.”
Ingrid Risi, 40, York
“Gordon Brown. I admire him for his principles, even though they are sometimes misguided. He worked towards equality and gave people opportunities regardless of class.”
Meghan Roddy, 23, Belfast
“Elton John because of his lyrics and his way with music, and the way he portrays his message. I just think he’s magical.”
Rosie Fisher, 18, Birmingham
“I really love Beyonce as she’s really famous, but humble with a great family life. I love her.”
Dave Pierce, 30, Jersey
“My heroes are The Beatles but particularly John Lennon because he was the best. He was just really weird, you know, unique.”
Kim Nixon, 54, Liverpool
“I’d say Margaret Thatcher. She stood up for everything for women, and became the first woman Prime Minister. That’s never going to happen again.”
Paul Nixon, 53, Liverpool
“I’d go for Bill Shankly, basically he created who we [Liverpool FC] are today. I met him, he was a real gentleman.”
Cathleen Halligan, 82, Liverpool
“General Montgomery, he was such a good strategist. He fixed what the Americans couldn’t.”
Frankie Brown, 73, Liverpool
“I’d say Sugar Ray Robertson, he was a great boxer, he fought them all. I remember the Jake La Motta fights.”
Jack Rowan, 17, Liverpool
“My hero is Shakespeare. He expresses such truths in such beautiful words.”
Carol Ambrose, 60, Liverpool
“My hero is Clint Eastwood because he’s a family man and despite the fact that he’s getting on he’s still producing films.”
Rachel Kemble, 22, Liverpool.
“I like Marilyn Monroe. I like to read about her lifestyle and relationships. Although she was glamorous she was down to earth.”
Dan O’Donnell, 20, Liverpool
“I managed to meet my hero, Corey Taylor, at the Download festival at Donnington.”
Angela Mubery, 59, Liverpool
“I’d say my hero is Bill Shankly. He did a lot for Liverpool FC, especially in the early years and he had a great impact on the city as a whole.”
Kyle Manuel, 23, Southampton
“Steven Gerrard. He’s a legend. He’s good at football, class. Why’s he a legend? Because of his performance, his skill and he’s class. I play football, I play that midfield role and try to be like him, I try. I would like to see him as a future Liverpool manager.”
Daniel O’Brien, 20, Cambridge
“I like David Beckham, that’s a fairly cliché answer. He’s not perfect but I think he’s a great role-model, he’s professional, he works hard and he’s a good example of someone who can do stuff outside his regular profession. He does inspire me to be successful I think because he’s very successful in more than one way.”
Francis Morgan, 76, Liverpool
“I would say Muhammad Ali because of what he has done for Boxing and he’s done a lot for African-American Civil Rights and now he’s in a bad way with Parkinson’s disease.”
Caroline Lindley, 18, Hartford
“Marilyn Monroe. I respected her choices she made and the way she lived her life and she did what she wanted to do and not told to do.”
Danny Fitzgerald, 18, Liverpool
“I’m into acting so it’s got to be Meryl Streep. She’s a very famous actress who is known for being very talented in her field because she is very into her roles. She’s had 17 Oscar nominations so that’s something to be very proud of. She’s very natural in her characters and the way she does it.”
Eillish O’Loghlen, 20, Derbyshire
“Florence Nightingale because she’s the first, she set an example for us.”
Anthony Sheriff, 24, Co. Wexford – Ireland
“Jamie Carragher for me. Favourite footballer ever. I play football myself, centre-back shockingly. I try to follow his defensive tactics.”
Helen O’Neill, 49, Wirral
“Cecelia Ahern. I like her books, their so interesting and their easy read. They always have a happy ending that would make you cry, everything really. All about life, ups and downs, trials and tribulations and all the crap that’s going in life.”
Alison McIlveen, 26, Wigan
“Jamie Oliver. I like cooking, he inspires me to cook good food.”
Christine Williams, 60, Swansea
“Nelson Mandela because his attitude after what happened to him, how he accepted and recovered and still had a good persona. All of him is still good and no ill-will. Put it this way, I would have been raving, I would never have gotten over 27 years in captivity and he did.”
Linda Miles, 58, Swansea
“Princess Diana because of her charitable work, how she stood up for what our Royal Family is about. Good soul, wish all people could be like her.”
Ken Newton, 66, Everton
“Gore Vidal. I love his writing. I like his version of American and classical history.
John Heyes, 20, the Wirral
“Le Corbusier, I like this architect because I’m an architecture student. He was a pioneer of architecture and for this reason he inspires me.”
Susan Nicholson, 65, Liverpool
“Ernest Shackleton, he’s an explorer. But I like him because of his sheer guts and determination shown on his expeditions. He’s a real English gent and there aren’t many of these anymore.”
Claire Noorzadek, 35, Liverpool
“Devin Townsend and John Gom. They’re musicians and I like them because they’re undiscovered. Bad music seems to be popular these days, so for me these two musicians are an exception.”
Alcides Santos, 23, Angola
“Nelson Mandela gave up most of his young life in prison, because he was standing up for what he believed in. Although he wasted most of his young years, it paid off in the end.”
Sonia Llanes, 30, Mallorca
“Brad Pitt is my favourite actor and he’s always in good films. He’s very good looking but not better looking than my husband.”
Kerry Ashton, 41, Rufford
“Eddie Izzard, he has made a good contribution to his society. If I could choose anyone to have dinner with, it would be him. He’s not as mixed up as people think. I like this about him.”
Imelda Holstein, 63, Liverpool
“Clarissa Dickson Wright. She was a TV chef who inherited a lot of money and drank herself to the brink of death, but what inspires me is she managed to turn her life around and that takes a lot of guts. She has reinvented herself and now has a successful business.”
Paul Sephton, 31, Liverpool
“Colin McRae, because he was passionate about the sport [rallying] and has done a lot of ground work for his sport for grass roots drivers.”
Jack Fitzgibbon, 17, Halewood
“Colonel Sanders, he started with just a chicken stand and turned this into a global franchise. Everybody knows KFC.”
Rohan Riley, 21, Southport
“Vincent Price, a horror actor. He was so classy, very interested in the arts and his voice was fantastic. I like that era.”
Eileen Gillespie, 42, Birkenhead
“Princess Diana was an idol of mine, in terms of fashion and morals. I also sympathise with her hard life towards the end.”
Charlie Harris, 19, Liverpool
“Usain Bolt’s determination and passion spurs me on to achieve my goals.”
Tanya Quinn, 18, Lancaster
“Beyoncé is my hero. She is inspirational and down to earth. She’s so famous and has had so much publicity yet she still stays grounded and keeps her life private. You never see pictures of her drunk.”
Phil Edwards, 31, Liverpool
“I look up to Nelson Mandela. His campaigs for justice and freedom have made the world a better place. He is a selfless being.”
Jack Taylor, 34, Salford
“Alex Ferguson is my hero. His leadership over the past number of decades has led Manchester United to be one of the world’s most loved football clubs.”
Jessica Murray, 23, Liverpool
“Nicole Scherzinger is an inspirational woman for me. She is the perfect role model for young woman. She is beautiful and surprisingly not as annoying as some Americans.”
Ivy Johnston, 65, Liverpool
“The late Mother Teresa is someone who I would cite as my hero. She was all about doing good things and putting others before herself.”
Carl Brown,28, Liverpool
“Winston Churchill, because he came in during World War II and led the country to victory. He did the job that was required at the time, although I wouldn’t have him as Prime Minister now because he was a Tory.”
Emily Webster, 30, Liverpool
“Paul O’Grady. I admire him because of the work he’s done for Battersea Dogs Home, it’s good how he’s making people aware. I’d rather him than singers, I wouldn’t admire a singer they just prance about.”
Colin Johnstone, 64, Liverpool
“Steven Gerrard, because he’s carried the team for years. I believe he’s the greatest Liverpool player ever, because he’s never played with great players like other generations of Liverpool players have done. Hopefully if he stays free of injury he’ll be able to continue for a few more years.”
Hannah Robinson, 17, Liverpool
“Stan Lee, he wrote Spiderman. I love his work and Spiderman is my favourite superhero. He’s good because his work appeals to so many different audiences.”
Paige Abbott, 17, Liverpool
“Alex Turner, because I’ve loved his music for years, he’s a lyrical genius. He’s really fit, but he’s also really intelligent unlike other singers and musicians that are around.”
Sean Rotherham, 18, Kent
“The Chemical Brothers, they are so good at what they do, probably the best at what they do. I want to be a DJ and I aspire to reach their level.”
Laura Kearns, 19, Southport
“Susan Boyle, she’s an inspiration to many people. She is a prime example of the phrase ‘you cant judge a book by its cover’ I think it’s great that she was misunderstood at first and then she turned out to be such a good singer.”
Gerrard Styles, 63, Liverpool
“Tommy Emanuel. In my opinion he is the greatest musician of all time. He started off playing guitar at five years’ old, came from nothing and worked his way up. Just brilliant, absolute raw talent… that’s what he is.”
Lillie McKenzie, 31, Scarborough
“For me, it’s Alan Sugar. You don’t realise unless you have read his life story just how hard that man has worked to get where he is today. I mean, from coming from a Jewish family that lived in a council flat to inventing the Sky box and Amstrad computers. Determination gets you everywhere in life.”
Steven Foster, 28, Anfield
“Someone I look up to? Anyone that puts their lives in danger for others. Like armed police force, fire men, and people fighting in Afghanistan for our country. They’re the real heroes in my eyes, nurses and doctors. All heroes at the end of the day.”
Si Jennings, 23, Walton
“Got to be Noel Gallagher, he turned his brother’s ‘not so good’ band into one of the best bands to ever exist. He went on to write some of the best songs ever and to be idolised by millions around the world and still be like your normal, everyday, working class person.”
Ruth Pealing, 72, County Durham
“I would say Nelson Mandela. He is a man that stood up for his rights and his country and what he believed in. South Africa is a better place thanks to him. Same with Martin Luther King, another man to stand up for his rights. These people’s names will be remembered for a lifetime.”
Natalie Martin, 25, Runcorn
“Miep Gies [who hid Anne Frank] because she did what was right even though she was risking her own life to do it.”
Jack Murison, 28, Liverpool
“Travis Pastrana, the worlds most famous motocross rider in all disciplines, not only is he a legend but he spends time with fans he invites to his home. The man’s just a God.”
Karen Reese, 53, Liverpool
“It’s a tough one because I would normally say my dad but it would have to be Gary Barlow. Simply because his songs are brilliant and look how far he’s come after Take That.”
Mary Richardson, 62, Gateacre
“Cliff Richard. I’ve followed him everywhere. I think it’s great he’s still doing it at his age.”
Peter Evans, 39, Widnes
“Steven Gerrard. Easy. His dedication to Liverpool makes him a legend in my eyes.”
Meagan Lawrence 32, Croxteth
“The doctor who delivered my baby. I had loads of complications and he was a Godsend. My daughter is three now and I don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for him. He is my hero, definitely.”