David Beckham has been named as the greatest pop culture icon in a new TV poll, beating Hollywood stars, Madonna and Elvis.The England captain, who’s the poster boy for metrosexuals, triumphed in the poll compiled from thousands of votes by music channel VH1.

Beckham was ranked 31 places ahead of his wife Victoria, who wins a place as member of the former Spice Girls.

He said: “I am really honoured that I have been voted number 1 in VH1’s 100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, especially when you look at the incredible list of people in this poll – many of whom I really admire.

“Thank you to everyone who voted.”

Madonna was runner-up in the list, while Elvis Presley was ranked third and the Beatles fourth.

Diana, Princess Of Wales came fifth, while Martin Luther King was placed 12th.

Only Fools And Horses star David Jason sees his character Del Boy ranked higher than Hollywood big shots.

Del Trotter is at number 46, while Robert De Niro managed just 50 and Brad Pitt 52.

Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher proved to be a greater icon for a generation than Tony Blair. She made it to number 65, while Mr Blair was down at 86.

Marilyn Monroe proved to have greater cultural appeal than many contemporary stars.

The late actress finished in 11th place, above Kylie Minogue (15), J-Lo (18) and Kate Moss (88).

A panel of celebrities and experts – including presenter June Sarpong, newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy and GQ editor Dylan Jones – drew up a shortlist for VH1 earlier this year.

Then viewers spent two months voting for who they thought were the greatest greatest figures in popular culture.