We all know about how certain UK pop stars don't "break" America. Cliff's probably the best example, along with Robbie Williams and I'd guess that Shakey hasn't had as many top ten hits in the States as he has had over here. But this got me thinking about actors.

The UK has provided countless stars to Hollywood, from Chaplin and Laurel, through Niven, Grant, Caine, Connery, right up to modern stars like Hugh Laurie and James McEvoy. Heck, even our best character actors like Timothy Spall and Bill Nighy have carved out an impressive Hollywood cv.

I realise that it's a different kettle of fish for actors, who are probably happier doing stage and TV work in the UK, but who are our actors who would be largely unrecognised in La-La-Land? And I'm not just talking comedians, who may have trouble crossing the cultural divide. Or soap stars, who tend to be a bit, er, rubbish.

The ones I'm thinking of are John Thaw, Ronnie Barker, Martin Shaw, Trevor Eve, David Jason, David Tennant and John Simm (unless Dr Who is more popular over there than I realise).

Which of our other much-loved (to use newspaper speak) TV stars wouldn't have to wear a disguise walking down Broadway? Or are you about to tell me that Home To Roost and The Professionals are our most popular exports?