David Beckham

David: (on being called the gayest straight and blackest white man in Britain) Yes, I like that. When someone said that about me, it made me laugh and I was quite proud of it. To have that kind of effect on so many different people around the world, I was honoured. When people talk to me about being a gay icon I think of it as a great honour.

David: (on his advertising campaign for Emporio Arman where he wore just his underwear) I was so nervous about doing that campaign because obviously I've done photo shoots before, but I've never done photo shoots in my underwear. When the photos first came out, my mother was the first one to call me and say, 'What are you doing?' I tried explaining it to her, but she didn't really get it. Luckily, I've not been in the car with her when we've driven past one of the billboards!

David: People react to criticism in different ways, and my way is definitely to come out fighting.