Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This list started with Thomas the Tank Engine because, although his 70th birthday is being celebrated this year, he did not appear in Wilbert Awdry's 'Railway Series' until 1946. (A tank engine is one that carries its own water rather than pulling it in a tender.) Thanks to Philip Downer, who pointed out that Thomas was originally the Starr (Ringo, that is).
1. Elsa of 'Frozen'
Anna was originally the protagonist, but extensive rewrites – and the composition of "Let It Go" – changed everything. Thanks to James Ronicle.
2. The Fonz
Henry Winkler's character was meant to be a second-string role in Happy Days. Tipped by Angus Ramsay, Spinning Hugo, Simon HB, Simmy Richman and Stephen Murray.
3. Popeye
Didn't appear in Elzie Crisler Segar's "Thimble Theatre" comic strip until 1929, 10 years after it started in the New York Journal. Spotted by Stephen Murray and Bill Detty.
4. Ed Miliband
Very funny, Aaron Bell.
5. President Bartlet
The West Wing was originally going to focus on staffer Sam Seaborn, and Bartlet would have been mostly off-screen. Voted for by Harris, Stuart Ingham, Jem Stone and Joseph Colman.
6. Frasier
The character, played by Kelsey Grammer, was supposed to be in only a few episodes of Cheers, but his spin-off became as successful as the original. From AJK62, Jem Stone and Mr Memory.
7. Arthur Daley
Minder was devised as a vehicle for Dennis Waterman after his success in The Sweeney, but George Cole's character soon won equal billing. Thanks to Patrick Hennessy.
8. Phil Collins
Promoted by John Peters, who also nominated Robbie Williams.
9. Alan Partridge
The Steve Coogan character who started life as the sports presenter for On the Hour, a parody news programme.
10. Hannibal Lecter
"He was a mere cameo villain in Thomas Harris's Red Dragon" – the first of the series of four books (the second being The Silence of the Lambs), says Richard T Kelly.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Next week: Nouns that are always plural (including loggerheads and cahoots)
Coming soon: Towns everyone's heard of but can't place on a map. Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments