The media seems to produce an endless stream of articles and broadcasts that put big people in a bad light. From the healthcare debate to the general body-size prejudices in the fashion world, it’s not often we see larger ladies and generously-built gents portrayed positively.

Well here at Cuddly Dating we think it’s time to fight back by reminding readers of all shapes and sizes just what an amazing contribution to society big men and women have made over the years - and are making right now in the fields of politics, entertainment, arts and beyond.

And if you agree (of course you do!) that we should encourage this alternative positive view then please back our campaign! You can show your support in one (or all) of four easy ways:

1. Add a comment to the bottom of this page saying who your heroes are
2. Vote for this page on social bookmarking site Digg
3. Become a fan of the Big Impact Campaign Facebook page
4. Link to this page from your own website or social network profile

The Big Impact List, 2010

Below is our round up of the top 25 (in no particular order) plus-sized pioneers and curvy contemporaries that prove bigger sometimes really is better.

Winston Churchill
A British national treasure, this wartime prime minister is often held responsible for saving Britain from invasion and defeat in World War Two, as well as being one of the UK’s most memorable orators.

Beth Ditto
Known for her piercing rock ‘n’ roll vocals, Beth Ditto combines “punk” with “plump” to the greatest effect, and is a role model for BBWs as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Jo Brand
At a time when stand up was a male-dominated arena, UK funnywoman Jo Brand burst in brandishing rude words, sparkling wit and a brutal honesty about size, women and sex.

Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti is recognised as having one of the greatest classical voices of the past century, and was one of the most successful tenors in the world. He rocketed to mainstream fame after singing at the 1990 Soccer World Cup with The Three Tenors, and was known for his charity work too.

Mama Cass
Cass Elliot, better known as Mama Cass, was one quarter of sixties pop group The Mamas and The Papas, and later had a successful solo career which inspired many of today’s top musicians. Her voice is a definitive sound of the era.

Chloe Marshall
At just 18, this size 16 (US 14) model was already breaking barriers. Marshall became the first ever size 16 model to reach the finals for the Miss England competition, and came second in 2008. She was quickly snapped up by a top modelling agency.

Michael Moore
Whether he’s attacking the healthcare system, capitalism, or US political apathy, Michael Moore does it with energy, wit and charm that has made him a role model and a star.

Ruth Jones
This writer, actress and comedienne seems to be unstoppable, having starred in several hit comedies for the BBC as well as period dramas. She is best known as writer and co-star of sitcom Gavin and Stacy, and has won several TV and comedy awards.

Queen Latifah
As a rapper, beatboxer, singer and actor, Queen Latifah is a perfect example of a sassy, big, beautiful black lady. We love her for her roles not only in her own show, but also retro comedies The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Hangin’ with Mr Cooper, as well as musicals Hairspray and Chicago.

Al Gore
Rather than being consigned to history as the man who failed to beat George W. Bush to the Whitehouse, Al Gore has become a heavyweight hero in his own right due to his tireless eco-campaigning and his hit documentary film An Inconvenient Truth.

James Corden
Having found fame with a role in drama series Fat Friends as a teenager, Corden went on to pen and star in the BBC’s Gavin and Stacey, one of this decade’s most popular sitcoms, as well as The Horne and Corden show.

Ann Widdecombe
Not one of the most obvious members of our list, you have to hand it to British politician Ann Widdecombe due to the variety of her achievements. She has been a Conservative MP, minister, TV presenter, radio broadcaster, novelist, agony aunt and more.

John Candy
This big man is synonymous with late eighties and early nineties comedy films, having roles in Uncle Buck, The Little Shop of Horrors, The Rescuers Down Under, Cool Runnings, and Home Alone, and leaves us with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Marilyn Monroe
Is there a bigger star that Marilyn? Starring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like it Hot  and The Seven Year Itch, Monroe is the ultimate icon, and by today’s standards, way too curvy to be a “model”; that’s why we love her!

John Prescott
Prezza is a contentious figure in UK politics, having punched a member of public in the face and had an affair with his secretary. Nevertheless, Prescott clawed his way from being a ship’s steward and a trade unionist to becoming the deputy Prime Minister, and was even very outspoken and honest about male bulimia.

Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th President of the United States was known as being one of the biggest, butchest leaders the country has known. In power from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt ensured a better deal for average Americans, promoted environmental conservation, and even won a Nobel Peace Prize for helping to bring an end to the Russo-Japanese war.

Peter Kaye
Since bursting onto the scene with stand-up and quirky hit sitcoms, Peter Kaye has been lauded both as the voice of Northern UK comedy and a true comic heavyweight, and has been honoured with countless awards.

Seth Rogen
This big, loveable Canadian is just everywhere at the moment, as part of this current pack of top comedy actors and writers. Having starred in hit movies The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad, we know there will be no stopping this funny man.

Dawn French
One half of the dynamic British duo French and Saunders, Dawn has moved from edgy 1980s comedy actress to national treasure, from French and Saunders to Murder Most Horrid to The Vicar of Dibley.

Kate Winslet
Some might say that Kate is an odd choice as she is generally considered to be an average size, but the gorgeous star of Titanic and Sense and Sensibility has faced harsh criticism of her weight due to her big-time career on screen. We think she’s a great example of a successful, curvy lady.

Queen Victoria
Considered a beauty in her younger years, England’s longest reigning monarch was later known for her heavy-set frame. Victoria saw the British Empire expand to its greatest size, and arranged marriages of nine children and 42 grandchildren in the ruling classes of Europe, securing Britain’s power.

Jack Black
Black is the weird side of hilarious, and big-built to boot. There seems to be nothing he can’t do; Black starred in School of Rock for the teens,Kung Fu Panda for the kids, The Holiday for the rom-com fans, and is even a successful musician with his novelty rock band Tenacious D.

John Goodman
Goodman has become a household name due to his roles in hit films such as The Big Easy, Arachnophobia, The Flintstones and Blues Brothers 2000, as well as long-running sitcom Roseanne. A great actor and a great role model.

Benjamin Franklin
Franklin was a big man in every way. As if being one of the founding fathers of the United States wasn’t enough, Franklin was also a celebrated polymath (that’s someone who is an expert in more than one area) as well as the sixth President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania.