AS children we loved to see our favourite superheroes on screen. Even in our adult years there’s always one superhero we hold dear, or perhaps secretly wish we could don some tights to take on that superhero guise.

Today, superstars including David Beckham and Cheryl Cole have been turned into musclebound, lycra-clad superheroes... to publicise a new TV drama.

They are joined by TV chef Jamie Oliver carrying his trusty crime-busting carrots and Daniel Radcliffe who, unlike Superman, has not bothered to whip off his specs before showing off his pecs.

The characters have been created by TV channel Syfy to mark the launch of new superhero drama The Cape, released this summer.

Beckham is depicted in a Riddler-style suit emblazoned with the figure 7 – reflecting his Man Utd shirt number.

And a caped Cole is illustrated in skin-tight peach and purple, with a turquoise belt, just weeks after she was pilloried for wearing the colours at a US X Factor audition.

Gary Barlow really will be able to say “Take That” as he confronts villains after being turned into a scarlet-clad crusader, with a large X Factor symbol on the chest.

And tennis star Andy Murray is seen with a holster for his twin tennis rackets as he ditches his whites for a new superhero semblance.

The channel, which commissioned artist James Husbands to create the images, also found TV chef Oliver was the top celebrity role model.

A poll ranked the Channel 4 presenter and campaigner as the leading hero for his efforts to improve the nation’s nutrition and help people turn their lives around.

Beckham, who became a dad for the fourth time last month with the birth of daughter Harper Seven, was runner-up in the list. And football love rat Ryan Giggs was named as one of worst celebrity role models.

Most of us have role models whom we admire.

Emma King, mum of two from Ferndown said: “Some modern-day superheroes are just not the same as they used to be when I was growing up.

“Some characters on the TV are far too macho and I think they don’t always set a good example for young boys.”

Julie Best, 51, from Bournemouth said: “Superheroes are fun – we rem- ember them from our childhood. I remember dressing up with capes with my brother when I was seven – Superman is certainly a classic.”

Richard Williams, 28, from Southbourne said: “My hero as a child was Eric Cantona. He was the captain of Manchester United and he was an inspirational figure for the team.

“At that time David Beckham, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers were brought into the team as very young players and they all looked to Cantona as the senior player to lead the team to success.”

Edward Spencer, 28, from Tuckton says: “My hero is my dad. Any man who knows the correct way to pass port around a dinner table deserves to be in the role model hall of fame.

“He taught me how to be a true gentleman and supported me fully in every decision I made, good or bad.”

Best celeb role models

1. Jamie Oliver

2. David Beckham

3. Beyonce Knowles

4. Emma Watson

5. Lady Gaga

6. Gary Barlow

7. Daniel Radcliffe

8. Cheryl Cole

9. Peter Andre

10. Andy Murray