ICONIC British characters

We know these faces from films, but what actually inspired the books’ authors?

- By Shelley Moulden

Ever wondered how some of your favourite characters were created, and who they were based on? From a science teacher to a Serbian spy and a society-climbing barmaid, we take a look at the real-life inspiration behind some of the country's best-loved fictional icons.

SEVERUS SNAPE

JK Rowling may have stayed quiet on the subject of the potions master in her Harry Potter series, but he's thought to be based on her real-life science teacher John Nettleship. Gloucester-based John taught the author chemistry and bore a striking physical resemblance to Snape. He was also known for being strict, but admitted that he only started to suspect Snape was based on him when he got to the third book. However, he said his wife clocked the similarities straight away.

Mary Poppins