21 OCTOBER 2002
A new poll has named the top ten Britons of all time, with some surprising results. According to the BBC survey of more than 30,000 people across the UK, just three personalities from the 20th century make the grade – Diana, Princess of Wales, Beatle John Lennon and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Literature great William Shakespeare was chosen, as were scientists Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. Queen Elizabeth I is the only royal aside from the late Princess Diana to be selected for the top ten – the rest of the list is rounded out by 18th century naval commander Horatio Nelson, engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and seventeenth century Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell.

Over the next five weeks, historians and celebrities – including presenter Jeremy Clarkson and comic Alan Davies – will host TV profiles of their favourite top ten personalities as viewers are invited to vote for their pick.

At the end of the series, the greatest Briton of all time as voted by viewers will be announced live by Weakest Link quiz mistress Anne Robinson after a live studio debate.

"I think the top ten is a really interesting mix of contenders," says BBC2 controller Jane Root. "We're in for some really exciting competition."