The stars, joined by Sir David Attenborough, J.K. Rowling and Stephen Fry, are urging the Government to preserve the taxpayer-funded corporation after it emerged some politicians plan to reform it to save money.

Opponents fear the proposals will "diminish the BBC or turn it into a narrowly-focused market-failure broadcaster", and a letter signed by the stars states: "In our view, a diminished BBC would simply mean a diminished Britain. The BBC is a very precious institution... The BBC is trusted and loved by British audiences and is the envy of the world abroad... We will continue to make the case for a strong BBC at the centre of British life and will be vocal in making the case for the BBC as it approaches its centenary."

The letter was delivered to Cameron's official residence at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday (14Jul15).