Naturalist Sir David Attenborough has won the title of Greatest Living Icon, voted for by viewers of BBC Two's The Culture Show.
The broadcaster beat musicians Sir Paul McCartney and Morrissey.
The three were whittled down from an initial list of 10 personalities, which included Stephen Fry, Kate Moss, David Bowie and Sir Michael Caine.
Sir David is best known for presenting wildlife programmes such as Life on Earth and The Blue Planet.
As well as a long career in front of the camera, Sir David was also controller of BBC Two during the introduction of colour television to the UK.
On learning of his win, he said he was "flattered and amazed" to have secured the public vote.
He was championed for The Culture Show icon award by fellow wildlife broadcaster Bill Oddie.
"David has affected the lives of people and wildlife for many years. With his amazing amount of knowledge, his achievement is to recommend life, wildlife and human life to the people of this earth," said Oddie.