In pictures: Life lines of stars

Famous faces have revealed the stories behind their success in a series of self-portraits for the charity Action for Children to highlight its work. Joanna Lumley drew two of her TV characters from the New Avengers and Absolutely Fabulous.

Contributors were asked to depict the start and end points of a transformational experience personal to them. Duncan Bannatyne, of Dragon's Den fame, illustrates his rise from ice cream seller to business mogul.

Former England defender Tony Adams made a personal and frank contribution to the charity's online gallery, showing how he used football to battle his drink problem.

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes says anybody can "rise to the top with the right ingredients and determination".

Each image carries the artist through time with one unbroken line. Left-wing comedian Alexi Sayle suggests he has not changed much after 30 years in the industry.

Broadcaster and charity worker Esther Rantzen alludes to her recent stint on TV show I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and the show that made her famous, That's Life.

Comedian Leigh Francis, of Bo Selecta fame, produced this detailed sketch of some of his characters.

With the tagline "Same note – but higher and brighter", Vanessa Mae shows how far her music has taken her.

Spaced and Son of Rambow actress Jessica Hynes said: "I never gave up and had as much fun working in a shoe shop as I did working on Doctor Who - after all the journey is the thing, not the destination."

BBC news reader Emily Maitlis compares the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China, ending 150 years of British control, to her handover at the BBC 10 years later.