To think the term "national treasure" is ridiculous

[DyslexicScientist]

Its never given by rags to proper people that have helped improve peoples lives and made the world a better place.

Instead third rate actresses / singles with dodgy pasts are adorned with it.

A national treasure should be someone famous and talented who brings happiness to a large majority of the nation. A national hero is someone who has made a enormous benifit to a majority of the nation.

Alan Bennett
Maggie Smith
Ann Widdicombe
David Attenborough
The Queen
Helen Mirren
The late John Betjeman
The late Richard Attenborough
Prince Philip?

Thora Hird was

Jessica Ennis - absolutely not- not funny, eccentric or clever enough. Too much about herself.
Tanni Grey Thompson has possibilities.
Kenneth Williams was- he so was.

YANBU, it is a ridiculous phrase and sentiment OP.

I hate the term, especially when given to TV actors and presenters. ODFO they are just doing a job and normally getting overpaid for the privilege. I'm sure the Queen would be most unamused if anyone said it to her.

I do think Noel Fitzpatrick mentioned above is light years ahead of anyone else listed in the thread; he will leave his legacy to veterinary science behind. 'National treasure' is degrading to that level of pioneering achievement though IMO.

That's true actually Lamb Noel is so much more than that, and not comparable to people who starred in Carry on Films etc.

Stephen Fry, Judi Dench, Alan Bennett, Maggie Smith, The Queen

There are no others. All uniquely British and quirky.

I am not a huge fan of any of those Industrial.

Wasn't Saville a 'national treasure'?

Helena Bonham Carter

Do National Treasures have to be British?

I'm surprised at how gushing the media are about Kylie and what's she done recently?

I think there are maybe 'International Treasures'.

What has Kylie done recently? obviously not move her face

Shes pretty and cute, but not gifted in the grey matter and has been lucky to have a good team.

She had a pretty dire Christmas album out I think.

I have never heard of Tanni Grey Thompson.

But aside from that it's a ridiculous concept.

There's only one celebrity all British people like.

David Attenborough.

He is the undisputed world title holder in the National Treasurehood Championships.

When his light goes out they might as well just melt down the trophy.

Sparkling All her albums are dire (imho)

I am not sure I have heard all of the others Lulu. I do possess a copy of Jason Donovan's 'Ten Good Reasons' though and that's not great.

I don't think the 'International Treasure' title will be won by an Australian.

IMO John McEnroe and Boris Becker are International-National-Treasures-during-Wimbledon.