Is David Attenborough the only current national treasure?
Posted by Designer_Film497@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 545 comments
Maybe it's because I'm relatively young but I think he might be the only figure in the UK right now that is universally accepted as a national treasure. And, perhaps he might be the last for a while.
Unless I'm wrong...?
IncompleteObjects@reddit
Brian Blessed probably falls into the National Treasure category too.
Exotic_Progress_3973@reddit
Dame Judy Dench
Magic__Man@reddit
I'm surprised at the lack of footballers here. For ex footballers you have people like Ian Write, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, David Beckham.
If current footballers could count I'd think Harry Kane is damn close to national treasure status.
Outside of football I'm surprised more people haven't said Proffesor Brian Cox. He's brilliant, been around for years, and should be known by young and old.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh I kinda steer clear of the footballers as most of them have at least one substantial fanbase that vehemently dislikes them, and also it's hard to accumulate a body of work over what is ultimately a pretty short career.
Gary Lineker is probably at the top then Ian Wright, Shearer is pretty great too but doubt a kid would know him that well.
Beckham absolutely not.
InteractionOk4616@reddit
Why not Beckham?
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
Qatar and stuff hes a bit of a prat
DrSalvador1996@reddit
Kenny Dalglish surely
sweetpicklemilk@reddit
I think footballers can be tricky because there’s then a difference between a British national treasure and an English one.
There’s far too much animosity for the England football team for parts of Britain to consider them National Treasures.
DrSalvador1996@reddit
Kenny Dalglish surely qualifies
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
Hes a scottish national treasure not a british one tho
ButterscotchFamous@reddit
Well its Reddit, where everyone acts really fucking weird towards David Attenborough.
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
Daniel day lewis
I think everyone just forgot about him because he never appears in the public eye at all
accc8@reddit
Do you not know Ronnie Pickering?
Wonderpants_uk@reddit
Who?!
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
Ronnie pickering
DarthSynx@reddit
What about Gordon Ramsey?
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
MPW over gordon ramsay tbh
Gordon ramsay lost credibility since being in Mr beast videos and shiet
Safe-Consideration88@reddit
Louis Theroux should be on this list no?
Illustrious_Store115@reddit
Ehhh sort of, sometimes
Tundur@reddit
A decade ago sure, when he was a mysterious documentary maker. His personality seemed like a technique to get people to drop their guard.
Now he's constantly on podcasts and telly, and it turns out he's actually just a sneering self-important upper class prick. It's the same bucket as Richard Ayoade - amazing in a specific niche, and I love their output, but the person behind the character seems intolerable
pharmamess@reddit
He probably woukd say the same about you mate.
Guiseppe_Martini@reddit
My money doesn't giggle giggle, it folds
pharmamess@reddit
jiggle*
sarahsazzles@reddit
He’s too Americanised, like when he asked Judi Dench, “What war?” Because he thought she was talking about the Vietnam war even though it had nothing to do with us
figgy64@reddit
He's half American
GrandmaToto@reddit
I don't even think it was that, it was a joking half arsed way of trying to pretend he didn't mean WWI by saying a random modern war.
GrandmaToto@reddit
He did not think it had anything to do with Vietnam, he meant WW1 or 2 and backtracked when she acted offended cause he insinuated she was old 😂 it was a half jokey way of trying to save face by picking a random modern war, he even asked her if he recovered afterwards.
Educational_Echo_113@reddit
He's a low-brow, gutter dweller.
NoDiggity8888@reddit
He’s well respected but would you say people treasure him in the same way as Attenborough? Nah
Al89nut@reddit
No
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh I think he's great and pretty cross generational too. Which can't be said for a lot of the names getting thrown out.
Dangerous_Feed_7264@reddit
Brian Cox i would say has to be up there
Ecat28Orange14@reddit
Dame Mary berry is a national treasure without doubt she is so warm and inviting and i enjoy cooking all of her mouthwatering recipes
RabTheCrab@reddit
Noel Edmonds
ThanosandHobbes@reddit
Rohan Atkinson
pharmamess@reddit
Maybe in India
ButterscotchFamous@reddit
Where was Mr Bean when the Westfold fell?
pharmamess@reddit
David Jason
Litsco@reddit
Ian Wright must be in the mix
Whyunhappyme@reddit
Err David Jason? Or are there horrible rumours about him I don’t know about?
EdUnit999@reddit
He's not universally accepted as a national treasure.. many people don't think he is
dap90@reddit
David Jason and Super Hans
littleboo2theboo@reddit
Stephen fry?
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Stephen Fry is good too but a random 15-20 year might not know him that well, but EVERYONE knows exactly who David Attenborough is.
Original-Season-9941@reddit
That's a very small subset of the population. He's absolutely a national treasure.
SuperJim64@reddit
More would after he was on the traitors
ByteSizedGenius@reddit
" do we have to name the rock stars that we think almost certainly had sex with fourteen year old children? But those fourteen year old girls were so proud of it that they wouldn’t for a minute call themselves ‘victims’.”
blahehblah@reddit
You seem to have misquoted that
"But those 14-year-old girls were so proud of it that they now in their 50s wouldn't for a minute call themselves 'victims'."
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/stephen-fry-girls-who-had-sex-with-rock-stars-at-14-wouldn-t-call-themselves-victims-they-were-proud-of-it-9769205.html
JohnnySpanglish@reddit
What is this from?
Sufficient-One4629@reddit
Miriam Margolyes should be.
dragonfarter@reddit
Came here to say Miriam Margolyes!
ryevx@reddit
Oh finally found her name!
tyrbb@reddit
Nope I’m also one of
ShaunM33@reddit
Rowan Atkinson
Full-Suggestion-1320@reddit
I have developed a fear of David Attenborough turning out to be a monster. So many of my childhood celebrities have turned out to be paedophile, rapists, abusers that I can't trust any of them.
AcademyBorg@reddit
Can't believe nobody's said Bob Mortimer yet!!!
beavertownneckoil@reddit
This is a weird one, was famous before but only a cult favourite. Only recently is he nationally adored
rammedearth@reddit
Nationally adored by Redditors. Ten years ago steven fry would have been top comment but they’ve gone off him
jetjitters@reddit
bob mortimer absolutely is not just a Reddit thing lol he very much is a national treasure at this point. even my boomer family members love him
dan-72@reddit
I’m not even on Reddit & I adore Bob Mortimer!
PEANUTS
big_beats@reddit
The antithesis is James Corden. Say you hate him for easy upvotes. But outside reddit no one cares.
XEasyTarget@reddit
Gone off dawn have you…
H5rs@reddit
Are we not allowed to like Stephen Fry now?
jetjitters@reddit
bob mortimer absolutely is not just a Reddit thing lol he very much is a national treasure at this point. even my boomer family members love him
Proud-Drummer@reddit
Been on the telly since the early 90s, what are talking about?
Dbonnza@reddit
Was half of the most popular comedy duo of the 90’s. Even other comedians say him and Jim were like comedy royalty.
Marmite50@reddit
I would say especially other comedians view them as royalty. Comedians are often incredibly smart as as such, recognise the intelligence of others
takesthebiscuit@reddit
And surly the other david, Mitchell must be close along with Sophie… I mean Olivia Colman
AcademyBorg@reddit
Oliva Coleman yes.
David Mitchell no, he's obviously entitled to his opinions but some of them the vast majority wouldn't agree with (Gaelic language debacle)
168EC@reddit
Too busy organising their pocket meat.
Homeboy-Weng@reddit
Lumpy lumpy
DrPeterR@reddit
Meats and cheeses, always pleases
zero_iq@reddit
Long and thin, slip right in.
LittleKloppofHorrors@reddit
Fingerprints on an abandoned handrail
Maximum-Sky8563@reddit
The only reason I came here
JackXDark@reddit
He’s currently at Senior Trinket level.
If he does something like a documentary where he cuddles baby gorillas or punches James Corden then he’ll assume the final form of Treasure.
AcademyBorg@reddit
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing!!!!!
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh I've thought the guy was hilarious for years on WILTY but too I still think too fresh.
AcademyBorg@reddit
Madness,
He's been in the public eye since the 90s!
There's rumours that Chris Rea placed an egg in his bath after recording the hit Middlesbrough 1997 FA Cup final song 'Lets Dance'!!!!
TheSuedeTiger@reddit
He's been comedy royalty since the early 90s. Hardly fresh
Chaffro@reddit
What do you mean by this?
TheCammack81@reddit
Possibly a reference to Bob’s style and funky fresh rhymes.
WelshBathBoy@reddit
They clearly haven't seen him rip an apple apart
Upset_Locksmith_6634@reddit
That's what I came into say
CoreyReynolds@reddit
Tbf he parked in the same park and ride as an anaesthetist
ppyil@reddit
Not even close to the same league
Dbonnza@reddit
Mourning!
One-Program6244@reddit
No I was just taking a shit.
DontAskAboutMax@reddit
Maybe Paul McCartney? He’s pretty non-controversial and perceived as a friendly figure and his output is genuinely pride-inducing for a lot of Brits.
Feeling-Ad6796@reddit
His name is James mc cartney
Solid-Lettuce-2190@reddit
Yep, Paul is generally known to be a good dude with a good heart, genuinely world-changing contributions to music and culture and one of the most famous Brits (or just people full stop) currently living. He’s a national treasure.
About the only bad thing you could say about him is that he’s a bit of a bossy sausage in the recording studio.
And *some* of his music can be a little trite.
miscfiles@reddit
A bossy vegetable finger, surely?
CongealedBeanKingdom@reddit
'he’s a bit of a bossy sausage in the recording studio.'
Most musicians are. Fair enough, they are the one with the final product in their head, so they have to tell people what to do to get it to sound like their idea.
Im at my most matter-of-fact in the studio
VodkaMargarine@reddit
Yeah he's an artist who knows how he wants the music to sound. And to be fair, he's probably right.
It's like calling Steven Spielberg bossy because he sits there directing people around.
beavertownneckoil@reddit
Definitely this. Part of the biggest influence of music in the past 100 years globally and with little to no skeletons in on the closet
bad_ed_ucation@reddit
other than perhaps the song Temporary Secretary
miscfiles@reddit
Take the arpeggio synth off it and it's a Nirvana song 20 years before Nirvana.
Inner_Day_6982@reddit
Great song. Ahead of its time!
YQB123@reddit
My mate loves this song and puts it on the jukebox at our local.
His Missus rolls her eyes EVERY time. It's hilarious.
MarthaFarcuss@reddit
Absolute banger imo
davepage_mcr@reddit
Apart from dying in 1966 and being replaced by a doppelganger, if you believe the conspiracy theorists.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
Apart from heather's other leg
OmmadonRising@reddit
I know people who know McCartney, he's not sound at all. He's an arrogant elitist prick who's game and money has gone to his head.
DontAskAboutMax@reddit
It seems mixed in that regard,
I know somebody who worked at an arena he was touring at and apparently McCartney went out of his way to meet anybody on the crew who was a fan.
Guilty-Commission-85@reddit
How'd you know this? From word of mouth of people you know?
OmmadonRising@reddit
Yeah. It was a saddening discovery.
RoboRich444@reddit
I had a pet spider with 7 legs and named it Heather Mills. Not because it had a leg missing, it was because it once trapped a beetle
Opposite-Mediocre@reddit
Yeah I would 100% say Paul McCartnery his definitely the most influential. Always seems supportive and chill.
jenzfin@reddit
A new song by him and Ringo was released yesterday. They're fab
Riewd@reddit
Does it involve an octopus?
aseriousllama@reddit
I cannot stand Paul McCartney. He’s so smug. Also I think he has a juggernaut of a PR team and I reckon there’d be more negative stories out there without them to shut them down. Attenborough doesn’t need that.
Hill_Reps_For_Jesus@reddit
McCartney is surely even above Attenborough on this list? Does any living human have a more globally influential or beloved body of work?
Sad-Grade6972@reddit
He's not sounding brilliant these days; should probably have knocked the performing on the head a few years back! Also quite annoying that he's always creeping round the royal family.
Ecthelion2187@reddit
Talk to me again near Christmas time...
DontAskAboutMax@reddit
I’ve just remembered Wonderfulchristmastime exists.
I take back my comment. I hate Paul McCartney. /s
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yeah to be fair he's probably pretty close. Maybe not nationally loved as much but well liked and known by everyone.
Neat_Owl_807@reddit
Barry Scott?
hirosknight@reddit
I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned Peter Kay yet
Sweet_Confusion9180@reddit
Maybe people like Ian Mckellen? Michael Caine? Stephen Fry is still pretty well liked?
davepage_mcr@reddit
A friend of mine once said that Stephen Fry is a stupid person's idea of a smart person, and that's stuck with me. He speaks with the same gravitas whether he knows what he's talking about or not, and people mistake that for intelligence.
PM_ME_YOUR_BUG5@reddit
Rory Sutherland strikes me as one of these.
He has a lot of opinions on things, and speaks like he is an expert on everything
His background is in Marketing, i can't stand salesmen
Ciderhead@reddit
In his defense, the idea he's this super intelligent public intellectual is something said of him more so than by him. I know it's kinda his 'brand' with QI and suchlike, so obv he plays into it to some extent, but whenever it's put to him in interviews and such he always seems embarrassed by it. He's eloquent, but he's never really come across as pretentious to me, just passionate and a lover of language. He'll be the first person to say others are more talented or knowledgeable than him on a particular subject.
vorethrowaway2211@reddit
In his defense, the idea he's this super intelligent public intellectual is something said of him more so than by him. I know it's kinda his 'brand' with QI and suchlike, so obv he plays into it to some extent, but whenever it's put to him in interviews and such he always seems embarrassed by it. He's eloquent, but he's never really come across as pretentious to me, just passionate and a lover of language. He'll be the first person to say others are more talented or knowledgeable than him on a particular subject.
wkndjb@reddit
I vaguely remember Sandi Toksvig pointing out that she's reading an autocue on QI in response to being considered intelligent because she hosts it.
Working-Frosting-767@reddit
Well I do actually think she is highly intelligent!
946789987649@reddit
His time on traitors was great evidence of that
JayCMo@reddit
Russell Brand seems to fit this archetype too (albeit a different flavour). Waffling on with big words to baffle the brainless.
Sweet_Confusion9180@reddit
Yes but I'd argue Russell Brand is a lot more problematic and less well liked by the masses.
JayCMo@reddit
Completely agree, he's actually a danger to society as opposed to being a bit of a knob.
Working-Frosting-767@reddit
Exactly! He is certainly an above average intelligence man, but he is not at all the leading public intellectual the vast majority of people seem to believe that he is.
shatteredrealm0@reddit
Stephen Fry seems to have a very…. strange interest in Greek pederasty. Michael Caine (especially his Twitter account) is great and you can’t say Ian McKellen without mentioning Patrick Stewart!
craftyhedgeandcave@reddit
Scratch beneath the surface of Stephen Fry and it all starts to bad pretty quick
shatteredrealm0@reddit
Baffles me after Saville, Hugh Edwards, Tim Westwood and the numerous other allegations against past and present BBC alumni. You’d think the BBC wouldn’t touch anyone with even a hint of controversy, let alone someone who’s written a play about pederastry and occasionally makes jokes about nonces on tv shows and erm at the Baftas, but they still book him for stuff!
Obviously there’s no evidence he’s ever done anything illegal but he is a very, very odd man.
SpareBad4901@reddit
His age gap marriage is pretty creepy if I’m honest.
TheShakyHandsMan@reddit
Wasn’t he convicted of a crime in the past?
bookishnatasha89@reddit
Oh my yes. I read a quote from him years ago that said that victims of CSA needed to get over it or something along those lines. I've never quite forgotten that.
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
Oh great now I have that word in my Google search history.
Cold_Philosophy@reddit
Michael Caine? The one who lives in America and… never mind.
Glospol@reddit
Not Stephen Fry, he supports the genocide in Gaza
CardiologistRare8829@reddit
Stephen fry for sure
10twinkletoes@reddit
I’ve always felt a bit strange about Stephen Fry knowing him and his husband got together when Fry was 55 and his husband was 25.
KiPhoe@reddit
Thats a self report that youre still in school.
wordshavenomeanings@reddit
You think that it is strange that 2 fully grown adults fell in love?
Hmmm
fearghaz@reddit
Ill throw olivia coleman in there.
prankishink@reddit
Careful. You’ll hurt her.
Purple_Monkee_@reddit
Far too many actors/celebrities listed. I would say Robert Winston.
Sharp-Ad-3253@reddit
Went off Attenborough after he got all preachy about the environment, telling young people not to fly and not to use plastics, himself having spent an entire lifetime and building an entire career out of jetting all over the world
Impossible-Time-9661@reddit
Alex Jones from the One Show
Automatic_Survey_307@reddit
Danny Dyer
Comprehensive_You42@reddit
Mortimer, Fry, Dench, Mirren
Comprehensive_You42@reddit
Sessions
Automatic_Survey_307@reddit
Hahaha
daddy-dj@reddit
Are you sitting down, mate? I have some bad news...
mannyrerobate@reddit
Olivia Coleman is a national treasure. From all accounts a lovely person. She's a serious and prolific actor and everyone who isn't into that stuff still loves her from peep show.
Sgt_major_dodgy@reddit
It always makes me laugh whenever I see Olivia Coleman somewhere getting loads of praise and winning loads of awards (all deserved) because to me she's always going to be Sophie from Peep Show.
Ghazghkull_Thatcher@reddit
Me wondering why everyone's pretending Sophie's the Queen
Extra-Height2017@reddit
And she was in the office... What a cv
OneCatch@reddit
I just think of the variety of fairly embarrassing roles they put her in the Mitchell and Webb shows lol.
"Now we know!"
mannyrerobate@reddit
Oh now we know...
beefygravy@reddit
I have an irrational dislike of her because of this. I recognise I'm wrong but I just can't shake it
ICanEditPostTitles@reddit
Maybe this isn't important but it's Colman
Ring_Peace@reddit
Like the mustard.
MrPejorative@reddit
She's overrated and annoying. She's very limited in her range as an actor. Every role is either Serious Sophie or Silly Sophie, or occasionally if she's going for an Oscar Getting Married to Mark Corrigan Sophie
ICantBelieveItsNotEC@reddit
You're getting downvoted, but I completely agree. She's so pigeonholed that as soon as I see her name in the credits, I know exactly what the plot is going to be and how her character's arc is going to unfold, and I know that the movie is going to be pure mumslop.
mannyrerobate@reddit
That's fair enough mate if you don't like her work. I'm not massively obsessed with the craft of acting so maybe I'm easily impressed but even if she's only got Sophie for me Sophie has a lot of range and a crazy arc. From relatively normal to psychotic alcoholic crying. In the toilets of a nightclub 😂 and 100% but she's a mess when drunk acting 😂
Spiracle@reddit
A more interesting question is what is the minimum age for National Treasure hood? Who is the youngest treasure? Coleman must be in with a shout.
mannyrerobate@reddit
Yeah 100% but also holy shit is she not aging she's 52 now I would have guessed like 40 but only cause I know she can't be 32 forever.
Maybe 50 is the lowest you can still be in the conversation
Guiseppe_Martini@reddit
Is that the best arse you can get? Do you stick on that arse?
Icy_Distribution3467@reddit
Stick it up your dojo
mike_dowler@reddit
Akshually, I love her from Green Wing
LanceUppercut104@reddit
A work friend of my mothers was a jobbing actor and worked with her a few years ago. He had nothing but great things to say about her. They’d go out for ciggie breaks together and he said she’s the most down to earth star he’s ever met.
Foootballdave@reddit
Came looking for an Olivia Coleman comment before I left one myself. She's brilliant. Her speech at the Oscars alone was enough to catapult her right to the top of national treasure list.
I know I was really late to the party but I only got round to watching Broadchurch last year and with Olivia and David Tennant (plus an amazing cast in general) it's probably the best but of telly I've ever seen!
GingerPrince72@reddit
It's such a vomit-inducing, stupid expression, used by people who have their "soul mate".
cactusdan94@reddit
Chris Eubank Sr.
Frank Bruno
Louis Theroux
Due-Squirrel-4032@reddit
I’d argue Kylie Minogue is one of our adopted national treasures (Thanks Aussies)
Outrageous-Arm1945@reddit
Kingslee McLean Daley, performing name Akala. Rapper, Theatre Director, writer of fiction and non fiction, political activist and general all round polymath
fenaith@reddit
Everyone is saying Stephen Fry, but no one is mentioning his former partner-in-crime Mr Hugh Laurie.
Many will know him as Bertie Wooster, then as Prince George and then lieutenant George in Blackadder. Then internationally as Dr House...
InviteAromatic6124@reddit
He's also a very talented musician too!
ATSOAS87@reddit
If anyone has any dirt on him, they need to keep it to themselves at this point.
TransitionNo1797@reddit
Martin Lewis!!
Double_Field9835@reddit
Shane Embury from Napalm Death.
Danuk9455@reddit
Del Boy
bad_ed_ucation@reddit
I would suggest Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Trevor McDonald, Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey (perhaps more in Wales than the UK, though), and landmark TV documentary presenter Philomena Cunk
UKMegaGeek@reddit
Can't wait for Cunk on Cinema
naughtymo83@reddit
Trevor mcDonald 100%
Dramatic-Rub-3135@reddit
Shirley Bassey but not Sir Tom Jones?
fartingbeagle@reddit
Somehow, it's not unusual . .
Forsaken-Yogurt-@reddit
Surely it's rude to suggest Jennifer Saunders without Dawn French
Pretty-Objective5151@reddit
I prefer the Saunders Lumley pairing darling
bad_ed_ucation@reddit
you are dead right my apologies
Skittlit@reddit
Any time that someone posts a what British celebrities are actually monsters post she appears with some horrible story. She's a self confessed twat and I don't think she's worthy.
Wonderpants_uk@reddit
Good call on Michael Palin
garyh62483@reddit
Anyone who's ever met Shirley Bassey knows she's an absolute fucking c*nt. On par with Cilla Black.
UKMegaGeek@reddit
You gonna do Mr Blobby dirty like that?
What_Reality_@reddit
Brian Johnson 🤘🤘
RoughComprehensive87@reddit
Is Cheryl Cole no longer a UK national treasure?!
ryevx@reddit
I’m sorry, but when was she ever classed as one?
BrilliantInfamous759@reddit
I actually believe she was back in like 2010!!
trippykitsy@reddit
No! Im a national treasure 😎
so is doctor who
Mplus479@reddit
What is a national treasure?
Qabbalah@reddit
Ricky Gervais.
Immensely talented and funny, loves animals, all round nice bloke.
SangEntar@reddit
I’d say Dr Brian Cox is a national treasure, thanks to being the go to guy for space based documentaries.
Qabbalah@reddit
Professor Brian Cox actually.
pooflaps50@reddit
James Corden
SilverGirlSails@reddit
Claudia Winkleman?
ryevx@reddit
Why the hell has this been downvoted so much?!
I don’t feel I’ve missed anything? She’s just been given her own talk show which definitely wouldn’t have happened if she was ‘on a list’?!
Longjumping_Bar_6128@reddit
A young one, but I feel like Greg James is moving into national treas territory
ryevx@reddit
Especially now Millsy has been kicked out of the line of succession.
LostHumanFishPerson@reddit
John Cooper Clarke
ryevx@reddit
Yes yes yes!!!
Flatbushhh@reddit
Nigella Lawson
ryevx@reddit
Of course! She is the only one that taught us we pronounced microwave wrong. I didn’t learn that in school 😤
AlternativeConflict@reddit
Sheila Hancock.
ryevx@reddit
At least reference her correctly!
Dame Sheila Hancock DBE
PsychologySpecific16@reddit
I don't really like the concept as so many celebs turn out to be corrupted by fame and you end up finding out they are awful people
ItGoesUpItGoesDown@reddit
I think he is head and shoulders above all others, but probably not the only one.
Hard to think of them off the top of my head, but Ian McKellen comes to mind.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh I agree. There's a lot of ones that if you're in certain demographics you would consider a national treasure but in terms of ones everybody knows and likes probably only Judi Dench and Attenborough. Then I'd follow that by McCartney and Mckellen.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Rowan Atkinson is one I feel has been undermentioned too.
stopdropnscroll69@reddit
Guy is an absolute entitled prick irl. Acts elitist and those beneath him like scum. Such a shame too as he was one of my heroes growing up. He was always an ass when at racetrack anyway, something to do with money, power and status I guess
ryevx@reddit
Not to excuse him, or anyone, but most people end up being asses at racetracks. At least, eventually.
Maybe through loss, maybe winnings. Or they own like a 1/600 of a horse and maraud around shouting it from the rooftop.
(Source: I worked at a bookies)
LaidBackLeopard@reddit
He's famously painfully shy - that might be why he doesn't come across well in that kind of situation.
stopdropnscroll69@reddit
He use to bum around with Johnathon Palmer, Peter Ogden and a few others that had thier fingers in the MSV pie. If you know anything about those names then you know he can't be that good company.
But I will say as an upside Jake Humphries who use to do children's TV and went on to do F1 presenting is an absolute gentleman and very humble.
HumanCStand@reddit
Na, I’ve had colleagues that have worked with him and he is genuinely just like that. No one had a good thing to say about him
MrSouthWest@reddit
Rowan Atkinson did have an affair. So perhaps isn’t a treasure after all
Timmi86@reddit
Perhaps you need an affair
kendoddsdadsdeaddog@reddit
My work colleague gets mistaken for Rowan Atkinson every time he goes to China
Neither_Process_7847@reddit
Michael Palin too surely.
mashfordfc@reddit
I’d put Judi Dench up there too
FoodAccomplished7858@reddit
Of course Dench - surprised she wasn’t first on the list.
N4t3ski@reddit
Rowan Atkinson deserves to be on that list purely for his speech on freedom of speech.
His other works are icing on an already deserving cake!
Insite74@reddit
Miriam Margolyes
That_British_Guy_@reddit
Prof. Brian Cox is working his way there in an Attenborough style way.
dangernap94@reddit
Julie Walters!!!
beavertownneckoil@reddit
Elton John
janesy24@reddit
Had to scroll way too far down for this comment, I was worried he’d done something wrong and couldn’t be classed as a national treasure even though he’s a global music icon.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh that's a good one but maybe less appreciated by people closer in age to me.
LIONLDN@reddit
I definitely consider him one but I think Ian Wright is another national treasure 💎
One-Peach-1525@reddit
As a Spurs fan, he's the only Gooner I have any time for!
flyingokapis@reddit
100% Ian Wright is a national treasure.
bumblestum1960@reddit
As a Chelsea supporter, I agree.
ImmediateFigure9998@reddit
Yeah i think Wrighty is getting there. Was a bit mental when he was younger but has turned out an absolutely great guy - from what I can tell.
I also saw him in Westfield and said "Wrighty?!" to myself as he passed. He looked around and gave me that big smile.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh Ian Wright is great
One-Peach-1525@reddit
Brian May
cheesecakebettie@reddit
Michael Palin, surely?
CoffeeIgnoramus@reddit
I am in my mid 30s and only know the name. I couldn't tell you who he is or what he's done ans I recognise everyone else being suggested. I'm not downplaying that he's probably amazing, and I'm sure most people know him, but I wonder if he is as well known as his fans consider him to be.
Hodtothecroft@reddit
Mary berry
fereleye@reddit
Stephen Fry.
hadawayandshite@reddit
I’m going to say one I don’t think others have: Ian Hislop
gotmunchiez@reddit
I scrolled down looking for his name, he's done much more for all of us than most people realise.
He's been holding politicians to account for years and despite Piers Morgan doing his best to dig up dirt on him, there was none to be found.
Puelc@reddit
Padddington Bear.
Andd yes. He’s real. 😋
NefariousnessTop846@reddit
Steven Fry for sure
InfectedByEli@reddit
Tom Scott
blankas20@reddit
Michael Palin. His name is never mentioned and he's truly one of the greats. Love his travel programmes.
Lethiun@reddit
Honestly think I agree with your initial statement/question OP. Not read through any of the many examples in this thread and thought I would call them a national treasure if asked in real life.
Short-Reputation-345@reddit
Stephen Fry ?
OliphauntInTheRooms@reddit
David Jason
Character-Trip-6094@reddit
Really disappointed I had to scroll this far!
archaeologue48@reddit
Michael Eavis
Character-Trip-6094@reddit
Really disappointed I had to scroll this far to find his name!
djodell@reddit
Great shout
Exodeus87@reddit
Stephen Fry!
StressedOldChicken@reddit
Floella Benjamin.
Altruistic-Flan6128@reddit
Julie Andrews, Julia Walters, Judi Dench.
Also Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French.
Oh, and Kathy Burke!
Doesitmatters369@reddit
Ian Wright Wright Wright
PixelBushYT@reddit
David Tennant.
VoyageOver@reddit
Stephen fry. Cba to check if anyone's put it already.
TheIntrovertedHuman@reddit
I exist so I count as national treasure.
Indigo457@reddit
Ian wright
aFPOON@reddit
David Tennant.
Zeo100@reddit
Was about to post his name too!
Rev-Thumbs-Ghurkin@reddit
He’s a decent actor. Hardly a national treasure though.
roxieh@reddit
SO pleased someone else said so. He is a blessing.
BewareoftheBadger@reddit
Certainly when combined with Micheal Sheen.
king-chris-1007@reddit
Had to scroll too far for this one!
RevFernie@reddit
Guy Martin
No-Ask-3213@reddit
Bill Bailey!
Successful_Movie_723@reddit
And and Dec
Infamous_Telephone55@reddit
Floela Benjamin, Michael Palin, Kathy Burke, Miriam Margolyes,
Real_Dependent2919@reddit
David in the UK, Dolly in the US.
Manonthemon@reddit
https://youtu.be/GY5y4tBLVh8
Educational_Echo_113@reddit
Stephen Fry.
Starbuckker@reddit
Fuck off, Brian Blessed is still alive right?
RIGHT?
Minky_Dave_the_Giant@reddit
I played the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance recently and was surprised to see him make an appearance in that!
NYAJohnny@reddit
No way! Which version? I’m playing the second one and haven’t played the first but will do cos the second one is so good. Which character does he play?
Minky_Dave_the_Giant@reddit
He's in the first towards the end of the game as a siege engineer. I highly recommend the first one, it will fill you in on a lot of the backstory of Henry.
NYAJohnny@reddit
Yeah I love the second one so much I kinda regret not playing the second one first. Wondering if I should take a break and play the first then go back to the second
Minky_Dave_the_Giant@reddit
I think you should do that, yeah. It will enrich your experience of the second!
mierneuker@reddit
What I love about Brian Blessed is hearing new stories from him and legitimately from end to end having no idea what is true and what isn't. He has had an incredible life that people would find utterly unbelievable, and then he tells stories from it that are usually 80% true, but you'll never guess which bits are and aren't.
The man actually boxed the Dalai Lama. W. T. F.
Starbuckker@reddit
His whole life is like the origin story of the Joker.
Nobody knows which origin is real, but now he's here we just have to deal with it. Its just...Brian.
vonsnape@reddit
has it ever been explained why his daughter went no contact with him?
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Had to look the bloke up but I do recognise him.
Starbuckker@reddit
If you dont know who is then HOW THE HELL will you know what song to woo a wolf with when mountain climbing in the Himalayas?!
Come on man.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
David Attenborough that's the point, you have basic level of British culture to know exactly who he is.
10 year olds know who David Attenborough is.
Starbuckker@reddit
Brian Blessed is like David Attenborough, but rather than respecting the animals, he likely commands them, or even perhaps lives as one of them. Nobody really knows.
mhoulden@reddit
He once punched a polar bear on the nose.
Consistent_Rich_153@reddit
He voices Grampy Rabbit on Peppa Pig, so toddlers would definitely recognise his voice.
Starbuckker@reddit
Yes, but to be fair I heard that was only because negotiations had failed.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh maybe it's cos I hate the Flash cleaning products advert. Deliberately wiped my memory of anything related to that bloody song.
DefStillAlive@reddit
Maybe we shouldn't judge national treasures based on the opinion of 10 year olds?
Afinkawan@reddit
You had to look him up?
Where the hell are you that you couldn't heah him from there?
TheCammack81@reddit
His autobiography is one of the best I’ve ever read. Starts with an anecdote about a rogue frozen turd and gets more insane from there.
Riewd@reddit
IS IT ALL IN CAPS?
Wonderpants_uk@reddit
Yes, and size 16 for good measure
Starbuckker@reddit
They should keep a copy of it in every hotel rooms bedside table.
pines6103@reddit
I've always considered Brian Blessed a national treasure.
sweetpicklemilk@reddit
RoyalConflict1@reddit
Julie Andrews? She feels like a national treasure for sure
beemelody@reddit
I kept scrolling through hoping to see her name pop up, a national treasure for sure!
Suitable-Compote-988@reddit
This was my first thought. She's Mary Poppins for goodness sake!
DesGore76@reddit
The world is still bearable as long as Floella Benjamin is alive and calling us Gen X folks her ‘Play School Babies’. A moniker that brings out a rare moment of emotion for me. She’s the best mum ever.
MerlinTrismegistus@reddit
RIP Ozzy
flyingokapis@reddit
Sir (should be) Ian Wright.
Every-Discussion-604@reddit
He is elitist who subscribes to the notion that there are too many “useless eaters”
naughtymo83@reddit
Tom Baker
cavalady1983@reddit
Tony Robinson! From Maid Marion to Blackadder to Time Team, he's who is up there as a treasure for me. Basically all the Blackadder team really.
naughtymo83@reddit
Not a nice man irl unfortunatly
HugeElephantEars@reddit
Patrick Stewart! The only reason he's not a national treasure is because he's a galactic treasure.
Nice_Income_2607@reddit
The only person I didn't enjoy seeing slagging off James Corden
Whappo88@reddit
Having read his book recently I reluctantly disagree. Seemed to become a bit of a dick after moving to the US and twice cheated on his then wives with younger women, including one who was 23 when he was in his 50s. Is now married to a woman younger than his own children.
Inner_Day_6982@reddit
Going on about taking MDMA with his young wife and doing tic toks was embarrassing.
TheShakyHandsMan@reddit
You can take the man out of Huddersfield but you can’t take Huddersfield out of the man.
ChilternRailways@reddit
Mate, that sounds like a really fun thing to do in you're 80.
LushHappyPie@reddit
Patrick Stewart in his 50s was successful, famous and beloved, he was incredibly hot and had an awesome personality. It's so easy to judge him when neither of us will be in our 50s with hot young people throwing themselves at us because they're genuinely attracted.
"That poor 23yo girl who had sex with Jean-Luc Picard in his prime." Nobody says that. That brave young lady literally won her daddy issues, I salute her.
YchYFi@reddit
Sunny Ozell is 47. They married when she was 34. Hardly criminal. The man is 85 everyone he meets will be younger than him or same age as his children the oldest is 60 this year.
YchYFi@reddit
Sunny Ozell is 47. Hardly criminal. The man is 85 everyone he meets will be younger than him or same age as his children the oldest is 60 this year.
Give your head a wobble.
phatboi23@reddit
fuckin' Shakespeare trained too.
he truly got a LOT of people into science fiction.
One-Program6244@reddit
Patrick Stewart gets my seal of approval.
CONKERMANIAC@reddit
It’s really sad this isn’t higher up.
Starbuckker@reddit
He's also a galactic nob.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
As James Corden found out, couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke...
sphinctaltickle@reddit
Monty don!!
TheZiggyStarr@reddit
Elizabeth Frys getting up there for me. Incredible woman and very knowledgeable, I could listen to her talk about the history of spoons and still be captivated
JuneauEu@reddit
Olivia Coleman.
I'd of said Stewart, but he's... cheated on wives. Thats a no in my book.
Bob Mortimor is up there.
Judi Dench for sure.
Rowan Atkinson is probably the most recogniseable person in the world. Also a nice bloke.
Capta1n_Sully@reddit
David Jason, Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly
MRJKY@reddit
Liam Gallagher
Obvious-Stage-6792@reddit
There are others but I would say he’s definitely the most universally loved.
oldblueeyesF365@reddit
Roger Waters? He has always told the truth about politicians, the royal family and Zionists.
AskUK-ModTeam@reddit
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Sea_Director_4439@reddit
💯
kernowgringo@reddit
Danny Dyer
CuteChampionship6350@reddit
I do not enjoy Rowan Atkinsons work at all.
Cocococo95@reddit
Louie Theroux, Trevor McDonald, David Jason
Oldham_athletic@reddit
Rosie Jones
feckin_hateyou@reddit
JAMES MAY!! JAMES MAY!!!
Fartbl00d@reddit
Bill Bailey
stopdropnscroll69@reddit
He's a lovely man. Very kind. Have met him many times through my life. Surprisingly professional too!
spankybianky@reddit
Cannot believe that I had to scroll this far to find Bill Bailey!
OGSkywalker97@reddit
Brian Cox
Broric@reddit
I’m putting David Jason on the list. And yes, I know.
thickuncutuk@reddit
Paul O’Grady imo was sad he died so sudden
VideoNo82@reddit
Judy Dench?
daddy-dj@reddit
*Judi
At least let's get her name right. But I agree that she's a national treasure.
VideoNo82@reddit
I see Y you said that. Fair comment - Judi, not Judy.
daddy-dj@reddit
Y, thank you for being so kind :)
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yeah to be honest I think Judy Dench is probably the only other person who comes close.
Soft-Basis-5269@reddit
David Jason, surely
WriteandRead@reddit
Judy Dench, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Floella Benjamin, Sheila Hancock, Miriam Margolyes
AllScatteredLeaves@reddit
Ummm are you all forgetting about Ronnie Pickering?
AxisOfAverage@reddit
Can I offer up Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet OBE?
Sacked from the SAS for "causing mischief" (he blew up a bridge to stop 20th Century Fox "ruining a village.)
Led numerous voyages and expeditions, many of which bordered on insanity.
Got frostbite in his fingers and not wanting to wait to have it done properly, cut the tips off in his garden shed.
He's the very definition of British eccentric batshit.
Crafty_Letter_1719@reddit
Funny how to qualify for “national treasure” status you just need to have done some vaguely entertaining work, appear pleasant on Graham Norton and not to have( that we yet know of) molested anybody.
Tay74@reddit
Yeah, the definition of national treasure is being massively diluted in this thread
Ah-Thats-Life@reddit
People should stop idolising celebrities. National treasure is overused for any and everyone that people like.
Tay74@reddit
Yeah this thread is just a list of "well known people that most people don't have a major problem with". A national treasure imo needs to be an institution in and of themselves, there is a certain gravitas needed to their name and "brand", and very few on this list are making the cut.
No_Scene_5885@reddit
Ian Hislop is a firm national treasure for me.
Vinhi2001@reddit
Stephen Fry, Anthony Hopkins, Philomena Cunk , Olivia Coleman, Brian Cox ( getting there)
SeatOfEase@reddit
A lot of entertainers have been covered so I was trying to think of fields outside of that. But it's hard because part of being a national treasure is surely being well known as well?
For example Irving Finckel is a pretty good fit. He's a renowned expert in cuneiform and ancient history. He recreated the Royal game of ur. Physically he fits the bill: ld, jovial, great big bushy beard. Plus he's famous at least enough that he's on TV, in the media and on YouTube.
But sadly I just don't think enough people will know him.
Will Self? His contributions to literature are pretty special and he's a unique character. Again, not widely known.
Sports stars? Ian wright and Gary Lineker? Paul Gascoigne would've been a good nominee. Wolf from gladiators?
Bustin_Rustin_cohle@reddit
Why is nobody mentioning David ‘Del Boy’ James?
🎣
handtoglandwombat@reddit
Graham Norton!
NibblyPig@reddit
I was hoping someone would say him. He's an absolute delight.
beavertownneckoil@reddit
Rowan Atkinson and John Cheese
FantasticSouth@reddit
Hahaha John Cheese
NibblyPig@reddit
You laugh but that's his birth name, he changed it later
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Surprised no one else mentioned Rowan Atkinson, great shout.
Personally love Monty Python, sadly I don't think young people really know much about Monty Python.
M_C_525@reddit
Sir Mo Farah.
BrilliantInfamous759@reddit
Duh its Cheryl Cole (I'm joking)
Silly-Industry1527@reddit
Robbie Williams
LIONLDN@reddit
Perhaps Sir Trevor McDonald too? 📺
MrPejorative@reddit
For reading a teleprompter?
Aggressive-Waltz1126@reddit
Yes! He cured my teenage insomnia. If put the 10 o'clock news on and be out like a light. I find his voice so soothing 😌
MooMorris@reddit
Agreed, listening to him speak about anything makes my mind relax and oddly feel safe.
schmoolet@reddit
I love our Trevor 😭
beavertownneckoil@reddit
Bit like marmite but Jeremy Paxman too
beavertownneckoil@reddit
Oh, for the downvotes - you may not like him but he's been a rock in British culture for decades. You want news or a seriously dry panel quiz satirised he's you're go to! That's who you replicate and a persona like that will not happen again
Forsaken-Yogurt-@reddit
10/10 trevor
clarets99@reddit
Tonight, at 10....
IslaLargoFlyGuy@reddit
David Jason IS NOT
TrousersCalledDave@reddit
Why not?
ketchup9-11@reddit
It is heavily rumoured within the industry that he may have engaged in predatory behaviour. I have heard multiple stories from friends of friends who have had first hand encounters with him. That’s not to say I believe that or can verify that.
IslaLargoFlyGuy@reddit
Just google it…
TrousersCalledDave@reddit
Google why David Jason isn't a national treasure? What the hell are you talking about?
semicombobulated@reddit
There are rumours online that David Jason is the next Jimmy Savile.
IslaLargoFlyGuy@reddit
I have heard things and seen things
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Because almost nobody younger than 35 knows anything about Only Fools and Horses other than what they've been told by their parents and when it ends up on TV around Christmas, if anybody even really watches Christmas TV anymore.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
Wether you like it or not he is
IslaLargoFlyGuy@reddit
Not from what my research tells me
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
Not very good at researching then are you
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
But that's the point he's a national treasure if your older than 35-40. I'm afraid not cross-generational enough.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
Says who
TheSuedeTiger@reddit
Michael Palin. Attenborough's spiritual (and literal in many areas) successor
Falloffingolfin@reddit
There's a difference. Attenborough documents nature and animals, Palin documents people. Shame they've never done something together.
BrightEyeCameDown@reddit
Adele?
DefStillAlive@reddit
Well aware that I will be downvoted by those whose childhood he ruined, but Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely qualifies
MarabouBarbie@reddit
Dame Mary Berry
DefStillAlive@reddit
I misread that as Dame Matt Berry, who is also worth a shout. Not aware of him being made a Dame at any point though, but I would pay good money to see him in panto...
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
See I thought of Mary Berry but I don't think she's a cross-generational or wide reaching enough.
HornyMidgetsAttack@reddit
Brian Cox for me.
GameFreak463@reddit
Can’t believe no one’s said Ian McKellen
fishy8ob1@reddit
Guy Martin
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
James May is a great guy.
Nobody has a bad word to say about him and I love the guy, but sadly I don't think he reaches anywhere near wide enough.
fishy8ob1@reddit
Out of the three of them I get the feeling that if you sat down for a chat he would be genuinely interested in you and not just talk about himself like Richard and Jeremy would.
QZRChedders@reddit
My grandmother met all 3 many times as she used to work at Mitsubishi and they’d come to collect cars. Said all 3 were very pleasant and professional. May was quiet and a bit more shy, Richard was chatty and Jeremy quite social too. I think she always had a bit of a crush on Jeremy as they were similar ages back then but she liked them all!
Free_Lychee_7324@reddit
Martin Lewis
ARobertNotABob@reddit
Brian Cox ?
StuntZA@reddit
Too many to mention. My vote is Rowan Atkinson.
JamesL25@reddit
Julie Andrews
Fartbl00d@reddit
KATHY BURKE
Geezer-McGeezer@reddit
Kathy Burke !
calccola@reddit
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Monty Don
ShireBenji@reddit
Fun fact, before becoming of gardening fame, he and his wife ran a jewellery company making way out there statement brooches etc.
boabyjunkins25@reddit
Billy Connolly
boabyjunkins25@reddit
Would also say Rik Mayall if he was still here, Sean Lock another gone so too.
Quiet_surprise79@reddit
Was scrolling for this.
GreenFreo29@reddit
Absolutely- More than 50 years in entertainment.
didsomeonesaycabbage@reddit
I recently had the pleasure of working with Anthony Hopkins, I'd say he is up there. Lovely gentleman too
Guiseppe_Martini@reddit
John Mackay from the STV News at Six, live from Glasgow
Sea_Lunch_3863@reddit
Excellent choice. I think Kelly-Ann Woodland is in with a shout too.
TheBrassDancer@reddit
What about…
BRIAN BLESSED
Bird-Soup-99@reddit
Paddington? 🧸
Inevitable-Yard6567@reddit
Tom Baker anyone?
Aggressive-Low-4427@reddit
David Jason
MonkPretty9818@reddit
Was waiting for this one…….🍿
real_light_sleeper@reddit
You clearly haven’t heard the rumours!
Trippytoker_11@reddit
Michael Rosen for sure
atomic_mermaid@reddit
Judi Dench for sure. Helen Mirren too.
RitvoHighScore@reddit
I think Morph is kept safe in a box somewhere.
ferny_blue@reddit
I think Craig Charles could get there, he's too young at the moment though.
Michael Sheen too!
foxylock22@reddit
Definitely George Michael
Appropriate_Trader@reddit
BRIAN BLESSED!!!
Roy12789@reddit
Greg James must be well on his way
htynp@reddit
Peter Crouch
kpopping8@reddit
Jane McDonald
crazycraven@reddit
Michael Sheen
Robosquidsquad@reddit
If he was still with us I'd say Rik Mayall
Spiracle@reddit
Scrolled to the bottom, no Kate Bush!
Amethystfist@reddit
Danny Dyer
Nicktrains22@reddit
What has Stephen Fry done to be taken off the list?
ExpressTruth76@reddit
I'm going to say Terry Pratchett yes dead but still a massive jewel in the British crown
GeggingIn@reddit
Harvey from East 17 survived a jacket potato drive by.
flyconcorde007@reddit
Didn't he run himself over?
ExpressTruth76@reddit
Yes, yes he did
GeggingIn@reddit
I think I hate this sub.
poopio@reddit
Harvey from Jordan's fanny had Robinson's Squash on ice.
WeakSnow9457@reddit
Four nice looking cunts for him to say hello to that night
AskUK-ModTeam@reddit
Don't be a dick to each other, or other subreddits, places, or people.
Don't be a dick to each other, or other subreddits, places, or people. AskUK contains a variety of ages, experiences, and backgrounds - consider not everyone is operating on the same level or background as you. Listen to others before you respond, and be courteous when doing so.
poopio@reddit
Uh...
WeakSnow9457@reddit
The power of positive affirmation
'Alright, alright, Everything's gonna be alright'
djodell@reddit
Jimmy Anderson
Demo_Bec@reddit
Louis Theroux
Wonderpants_uk@reddit
Ian Hislop, Mackenzie Crook, Nick Park, Michael Palin
roobearshousee@reddit
Michael Barrymore!
mosaic-aircraft@reddit
Ian Hail, although a little more one sided maybe?
Wonderpants_uk@reddit
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find him. Never holds back from criticism of politicians and other rich and powerful figures.
kitti_wake@reddit
I know at least 1 person here's mentioned David Tennant but surely his friend Michael Sheen should also make this list? He's donated lots of money to good causes.
hawkeye2604@reddit
David Jason?
Yid@reddit
Brian Cox
Toastieboy420@reddit
Which one?
darthpaul1978@reddit
Both!
TempoHouse@reddit
bogof!
Fun_Gas_7777@reddit
The award winning actor? Or the astrophysicist? I would say the former
robotwarlord@reddit
Louis Theroux surely.
Fishbone5why@reddit
Princess Anne , Judy Dench , Stephen Fry , Michael Palin , Trevor Mcdonald , Michael Portillo.....there's plenty around
Medical-Fox2471@reddit
Nah
I am
AntiSocialFCK@reddit
Louis Theroux has been putting the work he’s there or there abouts
porksandrecreation@reddit
Julie Walters and Celia Imrie!
Finger-Painter@reddit
Maggy Smith
Haluux@reddit
Jeremy Clarkson, especially after the farm show.
Fun_Gas_7777@reddit
Hes too controversial and divisive to even be considered as a national treasure.
Eyup_Amigo@reddit
Danny Dyer
Hamking7@reddit
David Jason surely?
king-chris-1007@reddit
Really surprised that David Tennant has only been mentioned once so far.
New-Ask7944@reddit
Lumley?
Puzzled-Job9556@reddit
David Jason must be up there?
Rod_Hulls_fake_arm@reddit
Michael Palin
Makeupmadness247@reddit
Maybe Martin Lewis?
MrSouthWest@reddit
Mr Blobby
mGlottalstop@reddit
I'm surprised noone has said Tom Daley. He was the nation's darling for years.
ExplodingDogs82@reddit
Bob Mortimer is a worthy mention in my view
real_light_sleeper@reddit
Bob Mortimer and Louis Theroux are two that are on their way imo
Tapps74@reddit
I scrolled quite far down, no mention of David Jason
RoboTon78@reddit
Brenda Blethyn.
bowen7477@reddit
Define "national treasure."
Skanedog@reddit
Surely Patrick Stewart too?
SpecsyVanDyke@reddit
Surely Partridge makes the cut
Kapika96@reddit
Even if you're defining ″national treasure″ as ″living person″ (which I wouldn't, buildings like Big Ben, and literary works such as LOTR and the plays of Shakespeare, should absolutely be considered national treasures too!) no. There are a number of other high profile people that have done a lot for British culture.
A_funny_user_name@reddit
I would just like to add a semi-interesting point. I live in the Middle East, and have friends here from all over the World - other Middle East countries, European countries, African countries, Russia etc. They ALL know who Rowan Atkinson is and love him, thanks to Mr Bean. I think sometimes we forget how much of an international success that show was.
oli_ramsay@reddit
Karl Pilkington
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Haha
daft-fucking-hippie@reddit
Sir Tom Jones Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen
roja_85@reddit
Matt Berry. Stephen Fry. Hugh Laurie. Rowan Atkinson. Bob Mortimer.
schmoolet@reddit
Louis Theroux, Sir Trev Mac, Prof Brian Cox, Jennifer Saunders, Gary Lineker.
Bgtobgfu@reddit
Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Judy Dench, Helen Mirren?
Final_Flounder9849@reddit
Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley. Hannah Waddingham has future National Treasure status pretty much in the bag.
beavertownneckoil@reddit
The Rolling Stones are iconic. Not necessarily great people but they're massively influential
IsyABM@reddit
Chris Eubank
pug_buddy@reddit
Emma Thompson should be on this list
beardybaws86@reddit
Alan Bennet.
Interesting_Net1297@reddit
The whole natural treasure thing is designed for people with no personality, other than being British to cling onto.
Interesting_Net1297@reddit
Downvoted by those that wank off to Black Adder and believe Red Dwarf is the funniest programme ever.
Interesting_Net1297@reddit
Downvoted by those that wank off to Black Adder believe Red Dwarf is the funniest programme ever.
ACanWontAttitude@reddit
Bob Mortimer
Traditional-Man77691@reddit
Dame Helen Mirren
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Yh probably Judi Dench is the closest then Paul McCartney or Ian McKellen and then Helen Mirren is pretty well liked but not as famous as the others across generations.
I_love_Con_Air@reddit
Bob Mortimer.
thecraighammond@reddit
Putting Gary Oldman forward for this too.
SplitOpenAndMelt420@reddit
Palin
JuniorSentence@reddit
Now that Roger Moore has passed away, I’d nominate Michael Palin, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench and Griff Rhys Jones.
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Judy Dench and Ian McKellen I can get behind.
As much as I like Monty Python I still think probably a rung or two down the ladder. Maybe that's a personal thing though as some of the stuff I've heard leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
WINTERSONG1111@reddit
Definitely Michael Palin.
Arsewhistle@reddit
Some of these names being mentioned ahead of Paul McCartney is unbelievable
GullibleCod2832@reddit
John Oliver, although he’s been in America for a while. Louis Theroux?
Arsewhistle@reddit
I didn't even know who he was until recently
littleboo2theboo@reddit
Absolutely not John Oliver. Most Brits don't even know who he is.
GullibleCod2832@reddit
Very fair.
space_coyote_86@reddit
Craig Charles
Arsewhistle@reddit
He was acquitted of all charges, but there are still too many question marks there for him to quite be a national treasure
clarets99@reddit
Some trunk of funk
touchmypenguinagain@reddit
Judi Dench
Suitable-Fun-1087@reddit
Fern Britton
Designer_Film497@reddit (OP)
Fern Britton isn't cross-generational enough for me to be honest.
Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan, I suppose are but still not up there like Attenborough and Dench would be. But then again no one else is really.
clarets99@reddit
1 one of those is not the same as the others
Forsaken-Yogurt-@reddit
Who is Fern Britton?
griffaliff@reddit
I had to scroll to the bottom to find Stephen Fry, what's going on?
Forsaken-Yogurt-@reddit
He's a little bit of a knob head.
Perhaps a likable one, but a knobhead nontheless
griffaliff@reddit
Oh no
NoiseLikeADolphin@reddit
I’d call Judi Dench a national treasure
gregRichards2002@reddit
Judi has gone down in my estimation after giving an interview last December claiming her good friend Weinstein had “done his time” and “deserved personal forgiveness”.
Forsaken-Yogurt-@reddit
I second this
LIONLDN@reddit
I feel like Sir David Beckham is a bit of a polarising one these days but is one nonetheless 👀
SaysPooh@reddit
Harry Hill is on the ascendant
Prisoner-1304@reddit
Does Graham norton count?
clarets99@reddit
I mean, he's very much Irish (from Cork) but he could be an adopted one like Terry Wogan (Limerick)
LizzyFCB@reddit
Alison Hammond?
David Jason?
ActionBirbie@reddit
There's dozens and dozens of actors.
Avox0976@reddit
I can’t think of any others
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