John Bull has always divided opinion. To our neighbours, he came to symbolise the best of British: A jovial, chubby, but solid and honest character of rural stock. For others (ie pretty much everyone else), this representation came to be viewed in very different terms. Just how different was apparent in a New York Times piece from 1861.

From movies to music, food to fashion, our critics reveal their cultural picks for the year ahead

Elton John and director Stephen Daldry are celebrating after their hit London show Billy Elliott was named Best Musical at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards last night.