Month: November 2025

The Voice of Justice and Identity

Afua Hirsch has become one of the most important intellectuals and cultural commentators of modern Britain, a writer, broadcaster, and thinker whose work challenges society to see itself more clearly. Born in Stavanger, Norway, in 1981 to a Ghanaian father and British mother, she grew up in Wimbledon before studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford. She went on to train as a barrister, specialising in human rights law — a grounding that would shape her life’s mission: to question, illuminate, and reimagine what justice and identity mean in Britain today.

Hirsch first came to prominence as a journalist. She worked for The Guardian and as Social Affairs and Education Editor at Sky News, where her incisive reporting brought clarity to complex debates. Yet it was her writing that truly elevated her into the national conversation. Her 2018 book, Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, was a landmark: a powerful blend of memoir, history, and analysis that explored what it means to be Black and British. The book was widely acclaimed for its honesty and eloquence, sparking vital conversations about race, empire, and belonging that continue to resonate today.

In addition to her writing, Hirsch has become a powerful presence on screen. She has presented acclaimed documentaries, including African Renaissance and The Battle for Britain’s Heroes, where she interrogates how history is told and remembered. In each, her trademark style shines through: warm, articulate, and fearless in confronting uncomfortable truths. She does not simply critique but invites audiences to imagine a more inclusive, honest national story.

Hirsch is also a professor of journalism at the University of Southern California, reflecting her international influence. Her columns, essays, and television appearances extend her voice globally, making her a bridge between cultures and conversations.

What makes Hirsch especially compelling is her courage. She is often the target of hostility for speaking candidly about race and inequality, yet she meets such challenges with dignity and resilience. Her presence in Britain’s cultural life is not just important; it is transformative. She insists that the country confront both its past and its present with honesty, not to divide but to heal.

Beyond her professional work, Hirsch is admired for her authenticity. She speaks with personal conviction, connecting intellectual critique with lived experience. This makes her both relatable and formidable — a rare combination in public life.

Afua Hirsch stands at the intersection of law, journalism, and cultural critique, and in each field she has been a pioneer. She represents a Britain that is self-critical yet hopeful, aware of its history yet eager to grow. At #10 in this rundown, she symbolises the power of words, ideas, and integrity to reshape the national conversation.

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The Fearless Interrogator

Mehdi Hasan has built a career as one of the world’s most formidable interviewers and political commentators, a journalist whose sharp intellect and unflinching style have made him both respected and feared by those in power. Born in Swindon in 1979 to Indian parents, Hasan studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford before beginning his career in British media. From the outset, his gift for quick thinking, precision, and eloquence set him apart.

Hasan’s early career included stints at ITV and Channel 4, where he worked on current affairs programmes and began to establish a reputation for incisive questioning. He rose to prominence as Senior Editor (Politics) at the New Statesman and later as a presenter on Al Jazeera English, where his Head to Head interview series became a showcase of his skills. Time and again, he confronted world leaders and intellectuals with forensic research and relentless logic, earning admiration for his ability to hold even the most powerful figures to account.

In 2020, Hasan moved to the United States, where he launched The Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC and Peacock. There, his profile grew further, as he tackled American politics with the same fearless clarity that had defined his British career. His monologues, delivered with passion and eloquence, became viral moments, praised for combining moral urgency with journalistic rigour.

What makes Hasan so compelling is his blend of preparation and performance. He comes armed with facts, often catching interviewees off guard with evidence they cannot easily dismiss, yet he also communicates with flair and rhythm that captivates audiences. His style is combative but never careless: every question has purpose, every challenge is grounded in evidence.

Beyond broadcasting, Hasan is also an accomplished author. His book Win Every Argument (2023) distilled his expertise in rhetoric and persuasion, offering a guide to debate that reflects his own formidable skills. It was praised for being both practical and inspiring, embodying his belief that truth, when argued well, can prevail.

Throughout his career, Hasan has faced criticism and hostility, particularly for his outspoken defence of Muslim communities and his willingness to challenge entrenched narratives. Yet he has remained steadfast, refusing to soften his voice or dilute his principles. This resilience has only deepened his reputation as a journalist of courage and conviction.

Mehdi Hasan represents the very best of journalism: fearless in pursuit of truth, eloquent in its defence, and unshakable in his commitment to justice. Whether in London, Washington, or Doha, his voice has carried the same message — that power must always be questioned. At #9, he stands as a symbol of the journalist as both warrior and guide, showing how clarity and courage can change the conversation.

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The Shape-Shifter of Rock

Polly Jean Harvey, universally known as PJ Harvey, is one of Britain’s greatest musical artists — a songwriter, musician, and poet who has never stopped reinventing herself. Born in 1969 in Bridport, Dorset, she grew up surrounded by music. Her parents introduced her to blues, folk, and rock, influences that would later underpin her fearless artistry.

Harvey first burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with her band PJ Harvey, a trio whose raw, uncompromising sound made an immediate impact. Albums like Dry (1992) and Rid of Me (1993) showcased her intensity: visceral guitar riffs, searing lyrics, and a stage presence that commanded attention. Quickly, she was hailed as a new force in alternative rock — but rather than settle into that identity, Harvey has spent her career defying expectations.

Her solo work revealed a restless creative spirit. From the stark, haunting To Bring You My Love (1995) — with its swampy blues and gothic undertones — to the tender, folk-inflected White Chalk (2007), Harvey has shown extraordinary range. Each album reinvents her sound, yet all are unified by her voice: at once vulnerable and fierce, fragile and commanding.

She is the only artist ever to win the Mercury Prize twice, first for Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000), a luminous, urban love letter, and again for Let England Shake (2011), a politically charged masterpiece exploring war, memory, and national identity. These awards reflect not just popularity but the critical consensus that Harvey is one of the most original and important artists of her time.

Her more recent work, including The Hope Six Demolition Project (2016) and I Inside the Old Year Dying (2023), continues to challenge and surprise. Never one to shy away from politics, she has written songs that grapple with poverty, conflict, and social injustice, reminding audiences that music can be both art and activism.

Beyond her albums, Harvey has also built a reputation as a poet and composer. Her collections of poetry and her work on stage and film scores reveal the breadth of her creativity. She is an artist in the truest sense — curious, uncompromising, and forever evolving.

What makes PJ Harvey so extraordinary is her integrity. She has never been swayed by trends or commercial pressures; instead, she follows her own vision, wherever it leads. In doing so, she has inspired generations of musicians and fans, proving that rock can be both deeply personal and politically powerful.

At #8, PJ Harvey stands not just as a rock goddess but as a cultural icon. Fierce, fearless, and endlessly inventive, she embodies the spirit of artistic freedom — a reminder that music, at its best, is a force of transformation.

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The Reluctant Genius of Comedy

Stewart Lee has built a career unlike any other in British comedy: uncompromising, cerebral, self-aware, and yet consistently hilarious. Born in Shropshire in 1968 and raised in Birmingham, Lee studied English at Oxford before launching into stand-up in the late 1980s. From the very beginning, his comedy was different — less about quick gags, more about dismantling the very idea of stand-up while still delivering belly laughs.

He first found widespread attention as part of the double act Lee and Herring, alongside Richard Herring, in the 1990s. Their BBC shows, Fist of Fun and This Morning with Richard Not Judy, became cult favourites, mixing surreal sketches with wry, knowing humour. But it was in solo work that Lee truly defined himself as one of the most original voices in British comedy.

His stand-up is meticulously crafted, often playing with repetition, timing, and silence in ways that defy convention. He deconstructs jokes in real time, mocks audience expectations, and revels in the absurdity of performance itself. Yet beneath the meta-commentary lies real substance: biting satire of politics, media, and modern life. From skewering right-wing rhetoric to lampooning the commodification of culture, Lee’s comedy always has something to say.

Television brought him to wider fame through Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle (2009–2016), a series that pushed the limits of what stand-up on TV could be. Each episode was a masterclass in form and content, combining long-form routines with interjections from Chris Morris as a mock interrogator. It won critical acclaim, awards, and cemented Lee’s reputation as a comic genius who refused to compromise.

Lee has also been influential off the stage. He co-wrote the hit musical Jerry Springer: The Opera (2003), which caused both acclaim and controversy, winning Olivier Awards while provoking protests. He is a prolific writer, with collections of essays and reviews that demonstrate the same sharp intelligence as his stand-up. His columns in The Observer have further showcased his wit, often blurring the line between parody and polemic.

What makes Stewart Lee so remarkable is his duality. He is both highbrow and earthy, intellectual and silly, confrontational and strangely comforting. He delights in frustrating audiences even as he wins their laughter, creating a space where comedy feels alive, unpredictable, and vital.

For many comedians, Lee is the gold standard — a craftsman who treats stand-up as an art form rather than mere entertainment. Yet he has never lost his ability to connect with audiences, whether through political anger, nostalgic reflections, or surreal flights of fancy.

At #6, Stewart Lee stands as proof that comedy can be both clever and gut-punch funny, both experimental and timeless. He is a comic genius who has made difficulty delightful, and who continues to inspire, provoke, and entertain in equal measure.

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The Queen of Modern Horror

Mia Goth has become one of the defining screen presences of her generation, an actress whose name is now synonymous with daring, intensity, and reinvention. Born in London in 1993, Goth grew up between Brazil, Canada, and the UK — a multicultural upbringing that shaped her eclectic sensibilities and gave her a truly international outlook.

Her career began in modelling, but it was her acting that quickly set her apart. Goth’s early roles — in Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac (2013) and the unsettling period horror The Survivalist (2015) — immediately showcased her willingness to embrace difficult, complex material. There was nothing safe about her choices, and that fearlessness would come to define her career.

In 2016, she starred in Gore Verbinski’s A Cure for Wellness, a lavish Gothic nightmare that highlighted her ethereal screen presence. Yet it was her collaboration with director Ti West on X (2022) and its prequel Pearl (2022) that turned her into a phenomenon. In X, she stunned audiences by playing both the young aspiring actress Maxine and the elderly, murderous Pearl — a dual performance that became an instant horror classic.

Then came Pearl, in which Goth co-wrote and starred as the titular character in a Technicolor fever dream of madness and yearning. Her climactic monologue and that unforgettable closing shot — a deranged, unblinking smile held for minutes — became viral sensations, proof of an actress completely inhabiting her role. Critics hailed her as a revelation, with many declaring it one of the finest horror performances ever filmed.

Her recent work has only deepened her legend. In Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool (2023), she delivered a performance of unhinged brilliance, gleefully stealing every scene. And in MaXXXine (2024), the third and final instalment of Ti West’s trilogy, she reprised Maxine in a neon-drenched 1980s Hollywood setting. The film became the trilogy’s highest-grossing entry, a cult sensation that cemented her status as the defining scream queen of the era.

What makes Mia Goth extraordinary is not just her fearlessness, but her range. She can embody innocence, menace, vulnerability, and madness, often in the same performance. She belongs to the tradition of great scream queens — from Fay Wray to Jamie Lee Curtis — yet she has expanded it, turning horror into a space for profound psychological depth and artistry.

Off-screen, Goth is admired for her quiet authenticity. She avoids the trappings of celebrity, letting her work speak for itself. Her collaborations with visionary directors, her commitment to challenging material, and her sheer magnetic presence ensure that every project she touches becomes an event.

At #5, Mia Goth stands not just as a rising star but as a towering figure in contemporary cinema. She is the queen of modern horror, a risk-taker, and an artist who has already begun to redefine what screen acting can be in the 21st century.

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The Voice of a Generation

Little Simz, born Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo in 1994, has become one of Britain’s most extraordinary cultural forces: a rapper, singer, actress, and storyteller whose artistry transcends genre and borders. From North London council estates to the biggest stages in the world, her journey is a testament to talent, vision, and sheer determination.

Simz began rapping as a teenager, releasing mixtapes that revealed her precocious skill and raw honesty. In an industry often dismissive of women, especially Black women in rap, she carved her own path, fiercely independent and creatively uncompromising. Early projects like A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015) and Stillness in Wonderland (2016) announced her as a major talent, but it was her later albums that elevated her into superstardom.

Grey Area (2019) was a breakthrough — gritty, sharp, and emotionally searing, it won the Ivor Novello Award and earned a Mercury Prize nomination. Then came Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), a masterpiece hailed as one of the greatest British albums of the century. With sweeping orchestration, razor-sharp lyrics, and unflinching introspection, it won the Mercury Prize and a BRIT Award, cementing her as not just a rapper but one of the most vital voices in global music.

In 2022 she followed with NO THANK YOU, a defiant, reflective album that peeled back the curtain on her industry struggles while affirming her independence. Critics hailed it as yet another triumph — proof that her artistry is never static, always evolving.

Her live performances are legendary. Backed by orchestras or full bands, Simz commands the stage with a presence both regal and intimate. At Glastonbury, the BRITs, and festivals across the world, she has captivated audiences with performances that feel less like concerts and more like communal experiences.

But Simz is more than music. As an actress, she has shone in roles such as Shelley in the acclaimed series Top Boy, bringing the same authenticity to the screen that she brings to her lyrics. Her impact extends into fashion, activism, and cultural commentary, making her a true multi-hyphenate artist.

What sets Simz apart is her ability to be both vulnerable and powerful, both deeply personal and universally resonant. She raps about identity, family, mental health, and society with a clarity that cuts through noise and trends. For many, she is not just an artist but a guide — someone who articulates the struggles and triumphs of a generation.

In 2023 she curated London’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, becoming the youngest artist ever to do so. The event showcased her taste, vision, and commitment to lifting up other voices, reflecting her belief that music is about community as much as personal expression.

At #4, Little Simz stands as one of Britain’s crown jewels — an artist whose work is timeless, fearless, and transformative. A Mercury superstar, a cultural leader, and the voice of her time, she is nothing short of iconic.

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The Voice of Clarity on the Airwaves

James O’Brien has become one of the most distinctive and courageous broadcasters in Britain, a voice who cuts through confusion with eloquence, humour, and moral conviction. Born in London in 1972, O’Brien studied Philosophy and Economics at the London School of Economics before entering journalism and broadcasting. It was at LBC radio, where he began presenting in 2004, that he found his true calling: live, unscripted, and uncompromising debate.

O’Brien’s style is unique in British radio. He listens carefully, challenges gently but firmly, and uses logic and empathy to reveal truths. His monologues — delivered with passion but also precision — have become viral sensations, dissecting issues from Brexit to social inequality with a clarity that resonates far beyond his studio. For millions of listeners, he became the defining voice of Britain’s “Remainer” movement, offering solace and explanation during one of the country’s most divisive periods.

His fearlessness has made him both admired and attacked. O’Brien has never shied away from confronting misinformation, prejudice, or hypocrisy, whether from politicians, public figures, or callers. His celebrated ability to unpick arguments live on air has earned him comparisons to the best courtroom advocates — except here, the jury is the listening public.

Beyond radio, O’Brien is an accomplished author. His books, including How to Be Right (2018) and How Not to Be Wrong (2020), showcase his gift for combining argument with compassion. They are bestsellers not simply because of his fame, but because they meet a deep public hunger for clarity and honesty.

He is also a prominent television presence, appearing on programmes such as Question Time and producing documentaries on inequality and social issues. Yet it is radio where his influence is greatest: a space where he has redefined what talk radio can be, transforming it from shouty exchanges into something closer to a national therapy session — sharp, humane, and often profoundly moving.

What makes O’Brien especially important is his bravery. He has spoken openly about his own vulnerabilities, from mental health to past mistakes, modelling a kind of honesty that encourages others to do the same. He has shown that strength lies not in bluster but in openness and thoughtfulness.

For all the turbulence of Britain’s recent political years, James O’Brien has remained a steadying presence: explaining, challenging, sometimes infuriating, but always refusing to look away from the truth. His voice has become part of the country’s conscience, an antidote to noise and spin.

At #3, James O’Brien stands as one of the bravest and most important communicators of his generation — a broadcaster who has redefined radio, a writer who clarifies the chaos of politics, and a man whose integrity has earned him the respect of millions.

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The Lioness Who Sealed the Dream

Chloe Kelly will forever be remembered as the Lioness who delivered England the moment it had been waiting for — not once, but twice. Born in 1998 in Hammersmith, West London, Kelly grew up in a football-mad family, honing her skills in cages and parks before joining Arsenal’s youth setup. Her rise through the women’s game was rapid, built on pace, flair, determination, and an unshakable will to win.

Her club career has taken her from Arsenal to Everton, then to Manchester City, and back again to Arsenal, where she has become one of the Women’s Super League’s most dynamic forwards. Known for her ability to stretch defences, deliver inch-perfect crosses, and pop up with decisive goals, she embodies the modern attacking winger. Even after suffering a devastating ACL injury in 2021, Kelly fought back stronger — a testament to her resilience and hunger for the game.

On 31 July 2022, at Wembley, she etched her name into footballing immortality. Coming off the bench in the UEFA Women’s Euro final against Germany, Kelly scored the winning goal in extra time, sparking scenes of unbridled joy and securing England’s first major international trophy since 1966. Her celebration — ripping off her shirt and swinging it above her head, sports bra visible as she roared in triumph — became one of the defining images of 21st-century sport: raw, liberating, and unforgettable.

Then, remarkably, she did it again. On 27 July 2025, in the Euro final against Spain in Basel, England were taken to penalties after a 1–1 draw. With the weight of a nation on her shoulders, Kelly stepped up and coolly dispatched the decisive spot-kick, sealing back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses. In doing so, she made history as the first English footballer — male or female — ever to deliver two trophy-winning goals in European Championship finals.

Kelly’s story is one of resilience, fearlessness, and destiny. To come back from injury to score the goal of a generation in 2022 was remarkable enough. To repeat the feat three years later, this time from the penalty spot, is almost mythic. She has become the ultimate big-game player, the embodiment of England’s belief and determination.

Off the pitch, Kelly is admired for her humility and relatability. Despite global fame, she remains grounded, connected to her roots in West London, and passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls to play football. She is not only a hero on the pitch but also a role model whose influence will echo for decades.

At #2, Chloe Kelly stands as a national icon: the Lioness who twice brought football home, the player who delivered when it mattered most, and the woman whose name will forever be written in English sporting legend.

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The Voice of Wisdom and Wit

Few figures in modern Britain embody both the seriousness of politics and the joy of humour as brilliantly as Ayesha Hazarika. A broadcaster, writer, stand-up comic, and Labour peer, she has become one of the country’s most trusted voices: wise yet witty, analytical yet accessible, authoritative yet warm. At a time when politics can feel bleak or baffling, Hazarika offers clarity — and a much-needed laugh.

Born in Glasgow in 1975 to Indian parents, Hazarika studied law at Hull University before training as a stand-up comedian. Her sharp humour, timing, and warmth quickly won her fans on the comedy circuit. But politics soon came calling. She worked as a special adviser for Labour figures including Harriet Harman, Ed Miliband, and Gordon Brown, gaining a rare insider’s understanding of how Westminster really works. That blend of backstage experience and natural charisma would become the foundation of her second career: political commentary.

After leaving frontline politics, Hazarika reinvented herself as one of the most insightful pundits in the country. On television, radio, and in print, she has brought intelligence, balance, and wit to political analysis. Whether on Good Morning Britain, Times Radio, or the BBC, her commentary is incisive but never cynical, tough but never cruel. She explains politics with the skill of an insider and the empathy of a citizen, making her an invaluable guide through turbulent times.

In 2022, she was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Hazarika of Coatbridge, becoming a Labour peer and giving her insights even greater weight. Yet she has retained the irreverence of her comedy roots, unafraid to puncture pomposity or laugh at the absurdities of political life. This rare combination — experience, humour, empathy, and intellect — makes her unique.

She is also an accomplished writer. Her columns for The Evening Standard and The Times are widely read, balancing sharp political critique with personal warmth. Her books, including Punch and Judy Politics, co-authored with Tom Hamilton, explore the theatricality of Prime Minister’s Questions with both rigour and humour.

What makes Hazarika especially beloved is her relatability. She speaks not just to Westminster insiders but to ordinary citizens, translating jargon into common sense, and politics into human terms. Her insights are never about scoring points; they are about making sense of the world.

At a time when trust in politics is low, Hazarika embodies integrity and humanity. She can make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel that politics is something we all have a stake in. That combination — wisdom, wit, and oversight — is why she has become such an extraordinary national figure.

At #1 in this rundown, Baroness Ayesha Hazarika is crowned not just for her achievements, but for her spirit: a woman who shows that politics can be honest, funny, and human all at once. A peer, a pundit, and a people’s champion, she is Britain at its best.

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