As recommended by LMadigan, jackanapes, TeaThoughts, Jon Schofield, Don Robinson and coombsm
Legendarily cantankerous frontman of the Fall, and the band's only constant member since its formation in 1976, Smith is famed for his unique lyrical style and has remained the spearhead of the band throughout its 30-album career. As John Peel commented, the Fall remain “always different, always the same” Photograph: Gary Calton for the Observer
As recommended by missing yet again, limesmoothie and shaken
The pencil-thin punk-poet rose to fame in the late-70's with his vitriolic social commentary, supporting the Fall, Sex Pistols and Joy Division to name a few. Best known for the dystopian Evidently Chickentown, which has been used in numerous films and TV shows (including The Sopranos), Clarke remains one of the defining figures of punk Photograph: Jane Bown
As recommended by RealDealBillMcneal and Brownowl07
A Bafta and Golden Globe winner, Albert Finney began his career in theatre before going on to star in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Tom Jones, Annie and more recently The Bourne Ultimatum and Skyfall. He has received five Oscar nominations but never won and in 2000 he turned down a knighthood, criticising the system for “perpetuating snobbery” Photograph: Alamy
As recommended by RealDealBillMcneal
Though admired in Britain for two decades of work in theatre and TV, Kingsley was little known internationally when picked to play India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's epic 1982 biopic – but his performance rocketed him to the status of best actor Oscar winner. Kingsley has gone on to add a Grammy, Bafta and two Golden Globes to his name. His roles in Schindler's List, Sexy Beast, Hugo and Iron Man 3 have made him one of the most compelling forces in cinema. Photograph: Cinetext/Allstar
As recommended by PollitoIngles
A Scotsman and adopted Mancunian for his contribution to the beautiful game, the achievements of Busby (1909-94) at Manchester United are bettered only by Fergie himself. Leader of the affectionately named “Busby Babes”, he was involved the Munich air disaster in which seven United players and three officials were killed, and which cast a long shadow over the city Photograph: Hulton Deutsch/Allsport/Getty
As recommended by GeneralDreedle, MatthewCobb and cavecanem
One of two choices who made significant contributions to science, Dalton (1766-1844) was a chemist who covered important ground in the development of the atomic theory. He is also famed for his research into colour blindness and taught a certain James Prescott Joule... Photograph: Universal History Archive/Rex Features
As recommended by MatthewCobb, printerink and seanalfi
Dalton's finest pupil, the legacy of Joule (1818-89) lives on as a unit of energy measurement. He worked with the theory of energy conservation and its relationship with work, as well as exploring the kinetic theory. His work remains at the core of everything we know about physics today Photograph: Universal History Archive/Rex Features
As recommended by gerard1marks, FredElliot, Theagronomist
One of music's most entertainingly outspoken stars, Noel's songwriting propelled Oasis to huge success in the 90s, as part of the Britpop movement. After the band's acrimonious breakup in 2009, he has gone on to make music with a new band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar
As recommended by PatRawle, evoclive
Considered by many to be a hugely underrated singer-songwriter, his influence has been cited by Led Zeppelin (they ended their third album with a tribute, Hats Off to (Roy) Harper), Kate Bush and Pink Floyd among others. John Peel requested his signature tune, When An Old Cricketer Leaves the Crease be played at his funeral. He has released more than 20 studio albums, and several live ones; his latest recording, Man and Myth, will be released this autumn Photograph: Dezo Hoffmann /Rex Features
As recommended by ekul1984, maninabannanasuit, Galesito
Pilkington started off producing Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's radio programme on XFM. His deadpan delivery and unique outlook resulted in his role in the show increased to the point where he was one of the main elements of the broadcasts. He later starred in An Idiot Abroad and Derek along with Gervais and Merchant Photograph: Ken McKay /Rex Features
