Our most inspiring Brits from Queen to Stormzy
Motivational who’s who research ‘findings feel full of hope and encouragement’
New research has discovered those we Brits find most inspiring. Sustainability champion
Sir David Attenborough (27 per cent), footballer Marcus Rashford (16 per cent), The Queen (15 per cent) and former US first lady Michelle Obama (14 per cent) appear top of the list.
Recent US Open winner Emma Raducanu also makes the list with an impressive 11 per cent of the vote, despite being virtually unknown until recently, writes Christine Emelone.
The teenage tennis sensation came just behind fellow 18-yearold and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who completed the top ten.
Also on the list of public figures who motivate and impress us are author and philanthropist JK Rowling (16 per cent) and Olympian Tom Daley (ten per cent).
Singer songwriters Ed Sheeran (12 per cent) and reemerging Adele (10 per cent) also feature. UK rapper Stormzy, meanwhile, appealed to some 8 per cent polled.
Prince William (10 per cent) also features along with national treasure Stephen Fry (9 per cent) and singer cum actress Beyonce (9 per cent).
The study, commissioned by sustainable restaurant group Wahaca as part of a drive to inspire Brits, also delved into what makes someone truly inspirational.
Some 58 per cent of 1,500 Brits polled believe it is “having a positive attitude and the mindset to never give up”.
People who do what they believe is right (44 per cent), who have worked hard to be successful (37 per cent), and are honest, saying what needs to be said (35 per cent), also inspire us.
Wahaca Mexican street food co-founder Thomasina Miers commented: “Over the past year I think we’ve all been seeking inspiration and positivity wherever we can find it.
“It’s fascinating to discover who and where the nation is looking toward for this - the likes of Marcus Rashford, Emma Raducanu and, of course, HRH The Queen are all truly inspiring people.
“And the fact so many of us are inspired by Sir David Attenborough shows just how important the environment and the natural world is to us, something that also inspires us with everything we do at Wahaca.
“Research findings feel full of hope and encouragement, particularly if we can take them as inspiration for positive action. Then we could change a lot,” she added.
The data also revealed over a third of Britons (34 per cent) admit inspirational celebrities help to keep them going, feeling motivated during difficult times.
Also, two in five (40 per cent) claim public figures from the UK doing great things makes them feel proud to be British.
And a quarter said, if they see a person in the public eye doing well who is from a similar background to them, it gives them motivation to aim high and pursue such dreams.
When it comes to our personal lives, the average Brit knows three inspiring people from their mum (51 per cent), dad (44 per cent), partner (35 per cent) and amazing friend (31 per cent).
Most inspirational celebrities according to our nation ...
Sir David Attenborough (right) – 27 per cent
Barack Obama – 17 per cent Marcus Rashford – 16 per cent
JK Rowling – 16 per cent
The Queen – 15 per cent Mo Farrah – 15 per cent Michele Obama – 14 per cent Ed Sheeran – 12 per cent Banksy – 12 per cent
Greta Thunberg – 11 per cent Emma Raducanu – 11 per cent
Kate Middleton – 10 per cent