The heroes and villains of 2015

Capturing the nation’s hearts and minds of the nation with his televised trip to the International Space Station earlier this month, astronaut Tim Peake tops the list as this year’s hero for almost a quarter (23%) of the nation.

Coming second with 19% is BBC Sports Personality of the Year Andy Murray following his outstanding performance in the Davis Cup tournament.

The Queen takes third place with 14%.

Athlete Mo Farah is fourth (11%) with Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jeremy Corbyn tieing for fifth on 9%.

The others who make up the top ten were: Lewis Hamilton, Kate, Duchesss of Cambridge, Adele, Jamie Vardy and Edward Snowden.

Leading the field in the top ten most disliked is South African disgraced athlete Oscar Pistorious (38%) with controversial and outspoken US presidential candidate Donald Trump close behind on 36%.

Nation leaders David Cameron and Vladimir Putin along with TV personality Katie Hopkins were joint third on 23%, followed by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, George Osborne, Jeremy Corbyn, Lady C, Nigel Farage, Russell Brand and Kanye West.

When it comes to predictions for 2016, it is political and economic issues which dominate the nation’s thoughts.

Worryingly, but unsurprisingly, over half (52%) of the population believes there will be another terrorist attack in the West next year.

Just over a third (35%) think interest rates will rise at some point next year while one in five (20%) believe Hillary Clinton will win the presidential election in the United States.

Closer to home, Jeremy Corbyn’s future is uncertain with almost a quarter (23%) of the view there will be a new leader of the Labour party announced next year.

The remaining top top predictions include an EU referendum being held; the introduction of a tax on high-sugar products; X Factor to get cancelled; Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to get divorced; a new James Bond announced; Prince Harry will get engaged; the housing bubble to burst; and ISIS to be defeated.