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Shakespeare named the UK's greatest cultural icon - but who else has made the top ten?

There are few writers who would be so widely celebrated nearly 400 years after their birth - but it just goes to show why William Shakespeare is so special.

The Bard's 450th birthday has been marked all over the world today, proving the far-reaching influence the playwright still holds over audiences.

In fact, Shakespeare is the UK's greatest cultural icon, according to an international survey.

Five thousand young adults in India, Brazil, Germany, China and the USA were asked to name a person they associate with Britain's rich cultural history.

The playwright was by far the most popular response with 14 per cent of votes, far higher than the any other figure.

Find out who else joined the list of our greatest cultural exports: