ROLE MODELS

One of the biggest news stories in October was the revelation that Kate Moss had snorted cocaine. As a result of these allegations Kate lost modelling contracts worth millions of pounds, including her contract with H&M. Brands who previously used her as their ambassador distanced themselves from her drug-taking behaviour, seen as inconsistent with her 'role-model' status (especially amongst teenagers).

We asked you whether you thought Kate deserved to be "fired" from H&M for her alleged drug-taking. An Urban Life majority of 59% thought she got exactly what she deserved by being fired, while 30% thought Kate should have been reprimanded, but not fired. Only 8% of members thought Kate had done nothing wrong.

YOB CULTURE AND BINGE-DRINKING

This got us thinking about other British 'role models' such as premiership footballers and international cricketers. We asked you "Do you think aggressive and abusive behaviour by some premiership footballers (both on & off the pitch) contributes to a "Yob Culture"?

49% of Urban Lifers thought it DID, stating that these people are role models and their bad behaviour sets a bad example to others. 38% said "maybe", but pointed out that it is only a small number of individuals that act in a 'yobbish' manner. 11% thought this behaviour did NOT contribute to yob culture.

GOOD & BAD ROLE MODELS

Finally, we asked you to type in the name of the celebrity or public figure that you considered to be the BEST role model for Britain, in terms of setting high standards of behaviour or having strong morals.

Jamie Oliver emerged as the top role model. One member wrote "He's hard-working, a family man, friendly and has no major discernable vices". Another wrote "He has high standards of care for children, cares passionately about what he does, he has influenced schools and government and you never find him with his pants down!"

Jamie was followed by Gary Lineker in second place, Prince William in third, Michael Owen in fourth and David Beckham in fifth. Suprisingly, the only women to make the top ten was Olympics hero Kelly Holmes.

When it came to nominating the WORST role model for Britain, members were fairly unanimous (77% typed a name in). By far the most disrespected person was Pete Doherty - member of Babyshambles and current boyfriend of Kate Moss.

Your comments included "He is a coke-head and walks round like a living zombie" and "He's everywhere just because he's a druggie in the public eye. What's that saying...it's cool to take drugs and be known for it?"

These results were used for an article on role models that appeared in Metro on Monday 7th November (see the Press Cuttings section).