Nearly a quarter of Brits think U2 frontman Bono should be stripped of his knighthood

Almost a quarter of Brits reckon Bono doesn’t deserve his knighthood and should be stripped of the gong.

A poll of 2,000 people found 22% opposed the U2 frontman’s award in 2007.

The 59-year-old, real name Paul Hewson, was honoured for his services to the music industry and humanitarian work, but because he’s an Irish citizen he is not allowed to be called Sir.

Brits said Alan Sugar was the second least deserving, with model Twiggy third.

The poll was carried out by TV channel History to launch series two of medieval drama Knightfall.

Bono, with his wife Ali Hewson, shows off his honorary knighthood outside the British ambassador's official residence in Sandyford, Dublin. (Julien Behal/PA wire)

A spokesman said: “In years gone by knights would fight on behalf of their country, so there was little question they deserved their title. But in modern celebrity culture who deserves such a high honour is subject to a lot more debate.”

According to the poll, the top 10 least deserving recipients are:

1. Bono 22%;

2. Alan Sugar 20%;

3. Twiggy 19%;

4. Mick Jagger 18%;

5. Emma Thompson 16%;

6. Cliff Richard 16%;

7. Barbara Windsor 16%;

8. Darcey Bussell 15%;

9. Elton John 15%;

10. Bob Geldof 14%.

Asked which fictional character should be made a knight or dame, the voting was:

1. James Bond 21%;

2. Sherlock Holmes 19%;

3. Mary Poppins 13%;

4. Harry Potter 11%;

5. Inspector Morse 11%;

6. Miss Marple 10%;

7. Mr Bean 9%;

8. Del Boy 9%;

9. Paddington Bear 8%;

10. Basil Fawlty 7%.